Washington Nationals News: Nats sign Steve Lombardozzi to minor league deal

Today’s District Daily features stories on Steve Lombardozzi rejoining the Washington Nationals on a minor league deal and Bryan Harper earning a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse.

Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.

In today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes discusses some news that will certainly be popular among the Nats’ fanbase. As Janes writes, the team has brought back infielder Steve Lombardozzi — a former Nat and fan favorite who helped the Nationals earn their first NL East title in 2012.

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Lombardozzi and the Nationals agreed to a minor league deal, and the 27-year-old will report to Triple-A Syracuse. The infielder and former Nats’ super-utility player had been playing in the independent Atlantic League for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

While it’s unlikely that Lombardozzi will be back in the big leagues anytime soon, he gives the Nationals some important depth in the middle of the infield that could prove useful down the stretch. The Nationals are currently set in the middle infield with Danny Espinosa and Daniel Murphy at shortstop and second base, respectively, and shortstop prospect Trea Turner isn’t far behind.

But an injury to any of them could give Lombardozzi a chance to once again prove his worth to the Nationals. The Nationals could also chose to promote the switch-hitting infielder when rosters expand in September. One thing’s for certain, there’s no such thing as too much depth. And when it comes to quality minor league players who could step into the big league spotlight when needed, Lombardozzi is as good an option as any.

Also in today’s Daily, Lindsey Kramer of Syracuse.com discusses Bryan Harper — brother of last year’s NL MVP Bryce Harper and Nationals right fielder — being promoted to Triple-A Syracuse. As Kramer writes, it’s the second time Bryan has been promoted to Triple-A.

While the elder Harper isn’t too high on the Nationals’ depth chart, his impressive start to 2016 at Double-A Harrisburg and his promotion to Syracuse could signal a promotion to the big leagues in the not-so-distant future.

The fact that both Harpers are in the Nationals’ organization has long been a feel-good story for the Nationals and their fans. But if Bryan excels at Triple-A, the prospect of both players being on the same big league roster could be a real possibility when rosters expand in September.

Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.

Steve Lombardozzi returns to the Nationals on minor league deal

(Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)

Steve Lombardozzi, the former Washington Nationals infielder who spent the beginning of this season as a Southern Maryland Blue Crab, is back in the Nationals organization as of Monday afternoon. The Nationals signed him to a minor league deal, a person familiar with the situation confirmed. He will report to Class AAA Syracuse.

Lombardozzi played 126 games for the Nationals in their first playoff season, 2012. He played 118 more in 2013, but never established himself enough at one position to earn everyday at-bats. Read full article here.

Bryce Harper’s brother gets another shot in Triple-A with the Syracuse Chiefs

(Lindsay Kramer, Syracuse.com)

Syracuse, N.Y. — Reliever Bryan Harper is steadily working his way toward a special family reunion in the big leagues.

The Washington Nationals on Monday promoted Bryce’s older brother to the Syracuse Chiefs. This will be Bryan’s second stay with the Chiefs, but he got just four innings at the end of the season in his Triple-A debut. Read full article here.

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