WASHINGTON, May 9 (UPI) -- The Washington Nationals placed reliever Ryan Wagner on the 15-day disabled list with right rotator cuff inflammation.
The 24-year-old right-hander has struggled this season, giving up 10 earned runs in 15 2/3 innings out of the bullpen.
He said on the team's Web site that he has had shoulder problems for at least two weeks, but did not say anything to athletic trainer Lee Kuntz until Sunday night.
"I didn't want to let my teammates down," Wagner said. "I tried to be too much of a hero. That's who I am. I like to think I'm a tough guy. Sometimes, that gets the better of you."
Wagner is the latest of the Nationals' pitching woes this week.
Starter John Patterson went to the DL Sunday because of soreness in his right biceps near his right elbow, and closer Chad Cordero was placed on the bereavement list on Tuesday so he can attend to his ailing grandmother.
