Perez still an option for Nats bullpen

By Bill Ladson

February 26, 2014

VIERA, Fla. -- One has to wonder if the Nationals are interested in adding another piece to their roster. Keep your eye on the bullpen. If the Nationals don't like what they see from their bullpen, it would not come as a surprise if the Nationals show interest in free agent left-hander Oliver Perez.

A week ago, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Nationals still had interest in Perez. Another person said the Nationals could have interest in Perez if Ross Detwiler remains in the rotation. This offseason, the Nationals traded for left-hander Jerry Blevins and they still have holdover Xavier Cedeno.

Last year, Perez turned himself into a solid reliever for the Mariners, going 3-3 with a 3.74 ERA. Perez is familiar with the Nationals. He played for Double-A Harrisburg in 2011 after the Mets released him. That year, Perez had a 3.09 in 16 games for Harrisburg.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. He also could be found on Twitter @WashingNats.