Nationals add Latos on minors deal

Free-agent right-hander Mat Latos has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Washington Nationals pending a physical, manager Dusty Baker confirmed to reporters Wednesday.

Latos, who signed a $3-million, one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox this spring, was released earlier this month after an awful May that saw opposing hitters slug .542 against the veteran starter, while tagging him for 21 runs in 26.2 innings. Through 11 starts with the White Sox, Latos authored a 4.62 ERA over 60 1/3 innings.

Latos, 28, joins a scuffling Nationals team currently without ace Stephen Strasburg (back) and closer Jonathan Papelbon (intercostal). The Nationals have won three straight after enduring a seven-game skid, and currently hold a 4 1/2-game lead over Miami in the NL East.