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Washington Nationals News: Nats sign Mat Latos to minor league deal

By Pablo Roa

May 31, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mat Latos (38) pitches against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The White Sox defeated the Mets 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mat Latos (38) pitches against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The White Sox defeated the Mets 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Today’s District Daily features stories on the Washington Nationals signing Mat Latos to a minor league deal and an update on injured closer Jonathan Papelbon.

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 the Nationals signing Mat Latos to a minor league deal. Latos, who was released by the White Sox earlier this season, will report to Triple-A Syracuse.

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While it’s unlikely that we’ll see Latos on the big league roster in the near future, he gives the Nationals starting pitching depth in the minors.

Here’s what manager Dusty Baker had to say about Latos, via Janes’ article:

"“I know there’s more in there. And he’s not old, and he’s not hurt anymore. So there’s more in there,” Baker said. “I’m not the one who signed him. I’m the one they asked and said ‘Would he be worth the chance?’ ”"

Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Alex Putterman has an update on injured Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon. As Putterman notes, Papelbon took a big step in his recovery today by throwing a simulated game at Nationals Park.

Here’s what Papelbon had to say about his progress from an intercostal strain via Putterman’s article: 

"“I feel like I could go out there tomorrow and pitch, but right now it’s time to be more cautious than anything and make sure I can go back to back.”"

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.

Nationals sign veteran pitcher Mat Latos to minor league deal

(Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)

The Nationals signed recently beleaguered right-hander Mat Latos to a minor league deal Monday, their Manager Dusty Baker acknowledged after reports of the deal bubbled up just before his press conference Wednesday afternoon. Baker managed Latos for two seasons in Cincinnati (2012-13), the best years of the 28-year-old’s polarized career. Latos went 28-11 and struck out 185 and 187 batters, respectively, in those seasons.

Latos will be a Class AAA starter for the Nationals, who do not view him as a potential bullpen option, according to a person familiar with the situation. Read full article here.

Papelbon feels ‘strong’ after simulated game

(Alex Putterman, MLB.com)

WASHINGTON — Jonathan Papelbon said he felt good after throwing more than 30 pitches in a simulated game from the Nationals Park mound Wednesday afternoon.

Papelbon is rehabbing an intercostal strain that has held him out since June 12. The closer will next pitch back-to-back games for Double-A Harrisburg, likely on Friday and Saturday. Read full article here.

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