The Washington Nationals and veteran reliever Fernando Rodney reportedly agreed to a minor-league contract Saturday, a source told Craig Mish of the FNTSY Sports Radio Network.
Rodney will report to Triple-A Fresno after signing, according to Mish.
The Oakland Athletics released the 42-year-old on Tuesday, just a few days after he'd been designated for assignment. Rodney was supposed to play an important role in the A's bullpen this season; instead, he was shelled to the tune of a 9.42 ERA, 2.23 WHIP, and 12 walks to 14 strikeouts over just 14 1/3 innings.
Rodney, a 17-year veteran and three-time All-Star, is MLB's active leader in saves (325), games pitched (913), and games finished (582).
Washington is hoping a stint in the minors will help Rodney rediscover his old form and sort out its woeful bullpen. Nationals relievers entered Saturday sporting a league-worst 7.06 ERA, over a full run higher than the next-worst team.
The Nationals would be his 11th major-league team.
