Nats re-sign reliever Gonzalez to Minors deal

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. --Two days after releasing left-hander Michael Gonzalez, the Nationals re-signed the veteran reliever to a Minor League contract.

Gonzalez originally had signed a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training on March 4. The 35-year-old appeared in four Grapefruit League games, giving up four runs on seven hits in four innings, with one walk and five strikeouts.

The Nationals are prepared to enter the season with Jerry Blevins and converted starter Ross Detwiler as the two lefties out of their bullpen. Xavier Cedeno, who also was competing for a roster spot, was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, giving Washington some solid depth in the Minors.

"That's part of the organizational strength that we have," manager Matt Williams said. "There's only so many spots on the roster. But there's a lot of very qualified folks here. That's a good thing. Mike certainly was late showing up and only got a few appearances."

Gonzalez, who also pitched for the Nats in 2012, posted a 4.68 ERA in 75 appearances for the Brewers last season.