 He pitched his first game for the Nationals on June 9, 2008, after Odalis Pérez was placed on the 15-day disabled list.He was optioned to the minor leagues after this start, but was given a second start a few days later, as Pérez was not yet ready to return.The Nationals then optioned Clippard to Columbus after his second start, in which Clippard pitched to a 1–1 record and 4.35 ERA.