Doug

Slaten

As expected. Slaten, who turns 32 in February, was limited to just 31 appearances this season due to ulnar neuritis in his left elbow, posting a 4.41 ERA and 13/9 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings. He was arbitration-eligible for the second time this winter.

Slaten, who turns 32 in February, was non-tendered by the Nationals in December after posting a 4.41 ERA and 13/9 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings in 2011. He’ll try to secure a bullpen spot during spring training.

The 27-year-old Flores batted .209/.253/.314 with one home run over 91 plate appearances with the Nationals this season and is eligible for arbitration for the third time this winter. Washington may elect to go with youngster Derek Norris behind starter Wilson Ramos instead of Flores, who missed nearly two full seasons recovering from shoulder injuries. Gorzelanny had a 4-6 record with a 4.03 ERA in 2011 while swinging between the rotation and bullpen. If he’s tendered a contract, he’s likely headed back to the ‘pen as a swingman. Slaten posted a 4.41 ERA over 31 games this year and missed three months with an elbow injury.

Slaten cleared waivers after being designated for assignment early last week. He has a 2.77 ERA and 6/8 K/BB ratio over 13 innings in the majors this season and will continue to serve as bullpen depth at the Triple-A level.

He was cleared to make room for the newly-claimed Oscar Tejeda on the 40-man roster. Slaten was recently optioned to the minors after posting a 2.77 ERA and 6/8 K/BB ratio over 13 innings.

Slaten was rocking a 0.36 ERA in 25 1/3 innings for Indianapolis. The 32-year-old righty will act as bullpen depth while Juan Cruz deals with a personal matter.

Slated had been outrighted by the Pirates, but he’ll instead search for another organization this winter. The left-hander put up a 2.77 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 10 appearances for the Bucs this season.

In Tyler Clippard and Matt Capps, the Nationals have two of baseball’s best relievers so far, but the rest of their bullpen hasn’t been nearly as good. Slaten has been very effective to in Triple-A so far this season, with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP under 1.00 in 17 innings of work, so the Nats are hoping he can function as part of a bridge from their starters to Clippard and Capps.

X-rays on Slaten’s wrist were negative, but he was sore while playing catch. He will be reevaluated on Wednesday.

They’re still holding out home that he’ll be on the active roster to begin the season, but they’re prepared to go without a lefty reliever for a while if necessary.