Back to the Washington Nationals Newsfeed

Belisle makes Opening Day roster

VIERA, Fla. -- Right-hander Matt Belisle has made the Nationals' Opening Day roster, manager Dusty Baker announced on Monday, although the club has not figured out the details of his contract yet.

That Belisle, a 35-year-old non-roster invitee, secured a spot in the bullpen comes as a bit of surprise, but he has turned in a solid spring.

Belisle has held opponents to a .182 batting average with four strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. Belisle had familiarity with Baker, who was the manager in Cincinnati when Belisle made six starts for the Reds in 2008.

Baker also considered himself impressed from afar with Belisle's success pitching in Colorado, where he spent six seasons from 2009-14 with the Rockies and accumulated a 3.