Nationals make Mike Rizzo permanent GM

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The Washington Nationals named Mike Rizzo their permanent general manager Thursday, eliminating a season-long interim tag.

The announcement also erased several media reports about other candidates being hired.

Rizzo's ability earlier this week to sign No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg, the fire-balling right-hander from San Diego State, helped his situation.

"Since spring training, it's been his watch," interim manager Jim Riggleman told the Washington Times. "I think he's been very patient with the roster in terms of our position players but has not hesitated to make moves when we were failing as a pitching staff."

Rizzo, 49, was named interim GM on April 4, shortly after Jim Bowden resigned, saying false allegations in news reports compromised his ability "to properly represent" the ball club.

The other reported candidates included Arizona Diamondbacks vice president Jerry Dipoto and Boston Red Sox assistant GM Jed Hoyer.