The Nationals announced that they have agreed to sign left-hander J.C. Romero to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training (Twitter link). Praver/Shapiro represents Romero.
Romero, who pitched for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic this month, had brief stints with the Cardinals and Orioles in 2012. The 36-year-old spent much of last year at Triple-A, where he posted a 2.74 ERA with 7.8 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in 23 innings for the International League affiliates of the Indians and Orioles. Romero, a veteran of 14 MLB seasons, said last summer that he was considering retirement.
The Nationals have a righty-heavy bullpen figures to include left-hander Zach Duke. Southpaws Fernando Abad and Bill Bray are other options in the organization. Manager Davey Johnson views Romero as "insurance," Amanda Comak of the Washington Times reports (on Twitter).
