Chris Snyder, Jeremy Accardo Sign Minor League Deals with Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals signed minor league contracts with catcher Chris Snyder and relief pitcher Jeremy Accardo. The Snyder signing was reported by Jerry Crasnick via Twitter. The Accardo signing was reported by the team.

June 9, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Jeremy Accardo (57) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Indians 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Both include an invite to Spring Training and Snyder’s reportedly has an out clause if he does not reach the Major Leagues by a certain date. Snyder played last year with the Houston Astros. He struggled hitting .176/.295/.308 last year in 258 plate appearances. Two years ago he had a solid season, hitting .271/.376/.396 in 119 PAs with Pittsburgh. Snyder is a veteran backstop who can step in should Wilson Ramos need more time and is not ready for the beginning of the season and the team wants to have their other catchers spend time in AAA.

Accardo is a relief pitcher whose best season came in 2007 when he saved 30 games for the Toronto Blue Jays. Last year he spent time with the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians pitching in 27 games with a 4.82 ERA. Accardo is 30 years old and is another depth option for the bullpen that will be useful especially with Zach Duke and Christian Garcia as potential starting options. Accardo isn’t a late-inning option anymore, but obviously in Washington he doesn’t have to be.

Two small moves but for a contending team, any bodies you have in Spring Training to cover for possible injuries especially as Spring Training begins is never a bad thing. Low risk moves with nothing to lose and possibly something to gain.