ATLANTA -- In need off bullpen depth, the Nationals have acquired left-hander Sean Burnett from the Twins for cash considerations.
Burnett will report to Triple-A Syracuse, but he could join the big league team once the roster expands on Sept. 1. Burnett started Spring Training with the Nats, but he was released before spending time in the Dodgers, Braves and Twins organizations. He had a combined 1.91 ERA in 42 Minor Leagues games this year.
The Nationals are in need of another lefty in the bullpen with Sammy Solís on the disabled list because of shoulder soreness and Oliver Pérez having been inconsistent on the mound. The Nats also had Felipe Rivero coming out of the bullpen, but he was traded to the Pirates for Mark Melancon on July 30.
This is Burnett's third stint with the Nationals. His first came in 2009, when the Pirates traded him to Washington as part of a four-player deal that sent outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-hander Joel Hanrahan to Pittsburgh. Burnett helped the Nats win their first National League East title in '12. That year, he had a 2.38 ERA in 56 2/3 innings.