Joe Nathan agrees to minor league contract with Nationals
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WASHINGTON (AP) The Nationals have agreed to a minor league contract with longtime former Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan.
Washington announced the deal Tuesday and said he will report to big league spring training.
Nathan, 42, could be a long-shot addition to Washington's closer competition after the club lost Mark Melancon as a free agent. Relievers Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen are internal options to fill that void.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}After Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2015, Nathan appeared in just 10 major league games last season for the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco. He is a six-time All-Star from his time with Minnesota and Texas.
Right-hander Matt Albers also agreed to a minor league deal and will attend big league spring training.