Joe Nathan: Released by Washington

Nathan was released by the Nationals on Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Nathan made a spirited bid in spring training to win a spot in the Nationals' bullpen, but the organization simply felt that it had higher-upside options than the 42-year-old. Given his age, Nathan wasn't willing to accept an assignment to the minors, so he'll become a free agent and see if he can draw interest from other teams for a bullpen gig in the big leagues. Nathan made 10 total appearances with the Cubs and Giants last season, tossing 6.1 scoreless innings and striking out nine batters.