Nationals option Chico to Double A Harrisburg

DENVER (AP) -Left-hander Matt Chico, in the midst of a comeback from Tommy John surgery, was reinstated from the disabled list Wednesday by the Washington Nationals and then optioned to Double-A Harrisburg.

Chico, 25, went 0-6 with a 6.19 ERA in 11 games - eight starts - last season and did not pitch after May 21. He underwent reconstructive left-elbow surgery last July 3 in an operation performed by Dr. James Andrews.

Team officials said his rehab assignment had expired and the move - which they described as procedural - would allow him to continue to work his way back into shape at Harrisburg.

Chico showed promise during his rookie campaign in 2007, going 7-9 with a 4.63 ERA. He made 31 starts and pitched 167 innings.