The Nationals bid farewell to two veteran pitchers battling for bullpen spots on Monday.
Right-handers Joe Nathan and Matt Albers were unconditionally released after both were told they would not make the club's Opening Day roster despite solid spring performances. Both had signed Minor League deals.
Nathan, 42, allowed five runs in 15 innings (3.86 ERA) over 12 appearances in a comeback bid following Tommy John surgery.
Albers, 34, threw 11 2/3 scoreless innings over 10 appearances, striking out six. He struggled in 2016 with the White Sox, posting a 6.31 ERA in 58 appearances.