Nats activate Thornton, option Treinen to Triple-A Syracuse (with lineup)

The Nationals' newest reliever has arrived in D.C. and will be active for tonight's game against the Mets. Left-hander Matt Thornton, acquired yesterday in a waiver trade with the Yankees, has been added to the Nats' roster. Right-hander Blake Treinen was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to open a roster spot for Thornton. This means the Nats will carry three left-handers in their bullpen for now. The 37-year-old Thornton joins fellow southpaws Ross Detwiler and Jerry Blevins. Thornton posted a 2.55 ERA in 46 games (24 2/3 innings) with the Yankees this season. The Nationals acquired him in a straight waiver deal yesterday, meaning they didn't give anything up to bring on the left-hander, but will pay his contract for the rest of this season (around $1 million) and next season ($3.5 million). Treinen made two appearances with the Nats since his most recent call-up, including two innings of one-run ball last night. He took a comebacker off the head during last night's outing, but it was a glancing blow. Treinen finished his outing and said afterward that he was fine. Danny Espinosa will start at second base for the Nats tonight against Mets righty Jonathon Niese. This is Espinosa's first start since the Nats added Asdrubal Cabrera to their roster on Aug. 1. For the Nats CF Denard Span 3B Anthony Rendon RF Jayson Werth 1B Adam LaRoche SS Ian Desmond LF Bryce Harper 2B Danny Espinosa C Jose Lobaton RHP Doug Fister