Nats ink Dykstra, two righties to Minors deals

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals signed infielder/outfielder Cutter Dykstra and right-handers Tim Alderson and Stephen Shackleford to Minor League deals, according to a baseball source.

Dykstra, who is entering his sixth season in the organization, played for Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse this past season, and he hit a combined .229 with six home runs and 36 RBIs. Dykstra was with the Major League club for most of Spring Training and made a good impression because of his hustle on the field. Dykstra, who is the son of former Major Leaguer Lenny Dykstra, is considered a speedy utility player.

Alderson is entering his second year with the Nats and made only five starts for Harrisburg in 2015 because of an arm injury. In those five games, he allowed 10 earned runs in 26 2/3 innings. Alderson started his professional career with the Giants and is best known for being traded to the Pirates for infielder Freddy Sanchez in 2009.

Shackleford is going into his first season with the Nationals. He spent all of 2015 in the Phillies' organization and had a 4.45 ERA in 53 outings for Double-A Reading.