Mattheus promoted to big leagues, Kimball placed on DL

The Nationals selected the contract of right-hander Ryan Mattheus from Triple-A Syracuse and placed right-hander Cole Kimball on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.

Mattheus posted two saves and 10 scoreless innings during nine relief appearances with the Chiefs. Including a 13-game stint with Double-A Harrisburg, he is 2-1 with six saves and a 1.46 ERA in 22 appearances in 2011.

Mattheus, 27, is 3-2 with six saves and a 1.25 ERA in 32 games four starts since returning from July 2009 “Tommy John” ligament-replacement surgery on July 31, 2010.

Mattheus was acquired from the Colorado Rockies on July 31, 2009, just weeks after his ligament-replacement surgery, as part of a three-player trade that sent left-handed pitcher Joe Beimel to Colorado. He is 32-42 with 23 saves and a 4.93 ERA in 193 games/88 starts during his career.

Kimball, 25, is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 12 games this season with Washington.