Ben Raby, wtop.com

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The game-time temperature was 97 degrees at Pfitzner Stadium, but starting pitcher Drew Storen could not have been more comfortable.

The Washington Nationals closer made his first of four scheduled rehab appearances Thursday night for Single-A Potomac as he nears a return to the Nats bullpen. Storen said afterward that he was pain-free.

“It felt great,” he said. “The mechanics felt really good