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After Tommy John, Aaron Barrett adds ankle surgery to his rehab

December 13, 2015, 11:36am

Late Sunday afternoon, with Jayson Werth sitting on his lap, Aaron Barrett came barreling down the cement floors of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on a motorized scooter. The two zoomed around batting cages and slides on their way to an autograph session while fans hurried to snap pictures. Though highly entertaining, it wasn't a skit planned for Winterfest. After a tough season of injuries, Werth is healthy. But Barrett needs the scooter after undergoing surgery to repair bone...

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Nationals sign Yusmeiro Petit to one-year contract

December 14, 2015, 4:16pm

Nationals

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a one-year contract with a conditional option for a second year with right-handed pitcher Yusmeiro Petit on Monday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Petit comes to Washington after spending the previous four seasons as a member of the San Francisco Giants' pitching staff. The right-hander, who has played parts of eight seasons in the Major Leagues, was 10-7 with a 3.66 ERA during his...

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Gott, Perez and Kelley eager to pitch in alongside highly regarded Nationals staff

December 13, 2015, 10:03am

Nationals

The Nationals' three newest pitching acquisitions met with the media Sunday at Winterfest. Right-handed reliever Trevor Gott, 23, arrives from the Los Angeles Angels. Gott pitched in 48 games last season for the Angels with a 4-2 record and 3.02 ERA. Gott was thrilled to get the call that he was heading east, closer to his native Lexington, Kentucky. "I was excited. I think it'll be a good opportunity for me," Gott said. "Obviously, the Angels did a lot for my career and gave me the...

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Top prospect Lucas Giolito invited to spring training

December 13, 2015, 9:45am

Nationals

Top prospect Lucas Giolito invited to spring training

Last season, the Nationals starting rotation received a boost when 22-year-old right-hander Joe Ross made the jump from Double-A Harrisburg to majors. After an impressive rookie campaign - going 5-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 13 starts - Ross is expected to find a permanent spot in the starting five in 2016. Now the countdown is on to Lucas Giolito's major league debut. The 21-year-old right-hander is ranked as the best pitching prospect in baseball. The Nationals drafted the 6-foot-6, 255-lb. pound...

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Bryce Harper on contract talks and moving past the fight

December 13, 2015, 7:05am

Nationals

Bryce Harper on contract talks and moving past the fight

Bryce Harper strolled through the curtains into the makeshift media area at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Sunday morning, and spoke in the nation's capital for the first time as the National League's Most Valuable Player at this weekend's Winterfest. "It was just very good for our family, the organization and the team," a humble Harper said about his honor. As phenomenal as Harper's record-breaking season was, it was not without a controversy. The slugger was involved in a...

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Veterans think Nationals can move past Papelbon-Harper fight distraction

December 12, 2015, 12:24pm

Nationals

Between mingling with fans, signing autographs and participating in game shows during Winterfest, Nationals players were shuffled through the bowels of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for media sessions. A common question posed to most was how the team deals with the fallout from Jonathan Papelbon's dugout brawl with Bryce Harper as the Nationals proceed into 2016. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo has reportedly pursued other closers while attempting to deal Papelbon with no...

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Nats still talking to Rockies, Michael A. Taylor still working to improve

December 12, 2015, 10:57am

Nationals

Nats still talking to Rockies, Michael A. Taylor still working to improve

We've been home less than 48 hours from the Winter Meetings, but the rumors continue to swirl. The Nationals remain in contact with the Rockies about a trio of left-handed hitting outfielders, one of the areas that general manager Mike Rizzo specifically wanted to improve this offseason. That's not to say that veteran slugger Carlos Gonzalez, center fielder Charlie Blackmon or left fielder Corey Dickerson are being fitted for curly W caps, but that the teams continue to talk is proof that at...

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Rizzo disappointed Heyward passed on offer, talks Escobar trade and adding depth

December 12, 2015, 6:31pm

Nationals

Rizzo disappointed Heyward passed on offer, talks Escobar trade and adding depth

Outfielder Jason Heyward was the latest of the marquee free agents passing on a lucrative offer from the Nationals, instead signing with another ballclub. Like infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist, Heyward chose to take his talents to Wrigley Field next season. Right-hander Darren O'Day, the best reliever available on the free agent market, gave the Nats their first bit of bad news in free agency a week ago when he decided to stay with the Orioles. General manager Mike Rizzo was disappointed the...

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Mike Rizzo on Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Papelbon and new bullpen additions

December 12, 2015, 11:26am

Nationals

Mike Rizzo on Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Papelbon and new bullpen additions

The Nationals have attempted adding sexy pieces to their ballclub early this offseason, like their recent hot pursuit of free agent outfielder Jason Heyward. But general manager Mike Rizzo's biggest challenge over the winter months was overhauling a bullpen that stumbled mightily in a pennant race last season. So far, Rizzo has landed three relievers through free agency and two more via trade in the makeover. But the biggest decision facing Rizzo is how to work through the mess at the back...

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For Ryan Zimmerman, another new manager

December 12, 2015, 8:48am

Nationals

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman holds a unique distinction with the Nationals: He's played for every manager who has skippered the club in its 11 years. Zimmerman made his debut as a rookie in 2005, when Frank Robinson helmed the Nats, and the year after when the Hall of Fame slugger was unceremoniously ushered out of D.C. He was there for the rebuilding years under Manny Acta (2007-2009), the good and the bad under Jim Riggleman (2009-2011) and John McLaren's three-game interim stint after...

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Dusty Baker on Matt Williams, Sammy Solis on crowded bullpen picture

December 12, 2015, 7:01am

Nationals

Dusty Baker on Matt Williams, Sammy Solis on crowded bullpen picture

During his briefing with the media this morning at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, new Nationals skipper Dusty Baker quipped that he didn't necessarily pack appropriately for his trip to Washington, D.C., and sounded like the unseasonably warm temperatures caught him by surprise. He made some new friends last night at the nearby Marriott Marquis, where a bunch of Nats fans hunkered down in anticipation of Winterfest weekend and took selfies with the incoming manager. This morning,...

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Mark Lerner discusses Jonathan Papelbon-Bryce Harper fight

December 12, 2015, 3:55am

Nationals

Mark Lerner discusses Jonathan Papelbon-Bryce Harper fight

I texted a good buddy of mine yesterday asking whether I would see him and his sons at Nationals Winterfest this weekend. I inquired because this friend is a staunch Nats fan - the kind with a lower-level, full-season ticket plan who also makes the yearly pilgrimage along with his boys to spring training. This guy and his family love the Nationals, so naturally I figured to see them decked out in their Bryce Harper jerseys and curly W caps at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center over the...

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Welcome to Winterfest!

December 12, 2015, 4:34am

Nationals

Welcome to Nationals Winterfest! Judging from the sandals, shorts and short-sleeved shirts I saw on the red army of Nationals fans marching toward the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this morning on the walk from my parking lot (kudos to Parking Panda for the sweet deal), there won't be much of a snow-glazed tint to this weekend's baseball festivities. Highs in the 60s and 70s? Sheesh, feels more like Viera in March. Bring on the Grapefruit League. But we've got important business to...

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Does Jason Heyward make sense for Nationals? (deals for Kelley, Perez official)

December 11, 2015, 3:47am

Nationals

Could the Nationals land the top free agent for the second straight year? Last January, it was ace Max Scherzer, and now the Nats are hot on the heels of free agent outfielder Jason Heyward, ranked the best among position players on many free agent boards. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com was first to report the Nationals diving deep into the Heyward sweepstakes and also adds that Heyward already has a $200 million offer from one team. The Cubs and Cardinals, Heyward's 2015 club, are also...

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MASN booth at Winterfest bringing fans exclusive prizes all weekend

December 11, 2015, 7:15am

Nationals

MASN booth at Winterfest bringing fans exclusive prizes all weekend

It's the most wonderful time of the year, Nats Nation! That's right, Nationals Winterfest is here, and it's better than ever. We're gearing up for a full weekend of baseball, giveaways and more. With the Winter Meetings just wrapping up, we know you're itching for the return of baseball. Get a taste of baseball this offseason at the MASN booth, where you can take photos with your favorite Nationals, enter to win signed gear and so much more. During both days of Winterfest at the Walter E....

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Shawn Kelley agrees to terms on three-year deal with Nationals

December 11, 2015, 7:24am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a three-year contract with right-handed reliever Shawn Kelley on Friday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Kelley, a veteran of seven Major League seasons, will join the Nationals after posting a 2.45 ERA and a 2-2 record in 53 games for the San Diego Padres in 2015. He struck out 63 batters and walked just 15 in 51.1 innings pitched. The 31-year-old is coming off one of the best...

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Nationals agree to terms with left-hander Oliver Perez on two-year deal

December 11, 2015, 7:19am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a two-year contract with left-handed reliever Oliver PÃ©rez on Friday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. PÃ©rez, a 13-year Major League veteran, joins the Nationals' organization for the second time in his career. The left-hander, once an accomplished MLB starter, made his transition to a reliever after pitching for Double-A Harrisburg in 2011. Since then, PÃ©rez has established...

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Yunel Escobar traded to Angels for Trevor Gott and Michael Brady

December 10, 2015, 11:16am

Nationals

Yunel Escobar traded to Angels for Trevor Gott and Michael Brady

NASHVILLE - Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo waited until the end of the Winter Meetings to make a splashy move. Coming off arguably his best season at the plate, Yunel Escobar has been dealt to the Angels for reliever Trevor Gott. Gott was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft before being traded to the Angels in July 2014. The 23-year-old made his made his major league debut last June and posted a 3.02 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 48 appearances. Gott, whose...

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Wrapping up a Winter Meetings wonderland

December 10, 2015, 8:31am

Nationals

Wrapping up a Winter Meetings wonderland

NASHVILLE - It wasn't a loud week in the Music City for the Nationals, but as the Winter Meetings wrap up, Washington made some noise and - according to general manager Mike Rizzo - laid plenty of groundwork for the remainder of the winter. The Nationals aimed to sign Darren O'Day, the best free agent reliever on the market, when they arrived in Nashville, but the right-hander decided to remain in Baltimore with a four-year deal. But the Nats didn't come away empty-handed in their search for...

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Nationals acquire right-handers Gott, Brady from Angels for Escobar, cash considerations

December 10, 2015, 4:40pm

Nationals

The Washington Nationals acquired right-handed reliever Trevor Gott and minor league right-handed pitcher Michael Brady from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for infielder Yunel Escobar and cash considerations on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. A hard-throwing right-hander, Gott joins the Nationals after appearing in 48 games for the Angels in 2015, including his Major League debut on June 14 vs. the Oakland...