Nationals, Ayala agree to minor-league deal
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The Nationals reportedly added an experienced candidate on Friday to compete for a bullpen spot this season, inking right-hander Luis Ayala to a minor-league deal, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Free-agent reliever Luis Ayala to #Nationals on minor-league deal. @JonHeymanCBS first said close.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 7, 2014
Ayala, who turned 36 in January, has compiled a 2.58 ERA since 2011, posting a 2.38 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his last 157 appearances. The veteran reliever has also amassed a 34:21 shutdown-to-meltdown ratio over that span, while yielding just 14 home runs across 164 innings.
Ayala was also, incidentally, a member of the inaugural Washington Nationals club, twirling a 2.66 ERA/4.02 FIP over 68 relief appearances back in 2005.
Update: 4:25 p.m.
The Nationals have made the deal official.
The #Nats have agreed to terms with RHP Luis Ayala on a Minor League deal with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 7, 2014