The Washington Nationals selected the contract of pitcher John Halama from Triple-A New Orleans prior to Thursday's day-night doubleheader versus the Philadelphia Phillies. Halama, who tossed an inning of shutout relief in game two of the doubleheader, is scheduled to start Sunday's game against the New York Mets. If he takes the mound in the series finale against New York, Halama will become the first lefthander to start a game for the Nationals this season. Scott Downs was the last southpaw to start a game for the Montreal/Washington franchise on October 1, 2004 -- ironically against the Mets. The 33-year-old Halama went 1-1 with a 6.18 earned run average in 30 games (one start) with Boston earlier this season. Halama was later acquired as a free agent by the Nationals on August 5. To make room for Halama on the roster, the Nationals optioned outfielder Brandon Watson to Triple-A New Orleans after Wednesday's loss against the Phillies.