The Washington Nationals released Joe Nathan from his minor league contract Wednesday, perhaps putting a close to the six-time All-Star reliever's career.
Nathan, 42, requested to be released when he wasn't recalled to the majors by June 1.
The Nationals released Nathan after spring training but the right-hander later signed a minor league contract with the club that included a June 1 opt-out clause.
Nathan struggled for the Nats' Triple-A club in Syarcuse, posting a 6.19 ERA in 16 innings. He was 0-2 with four saves.
He has had two Tommy John surgeries in his career, most recently in 2015, when he was with the Detroit Tigers.