Nats working to finalize minor league deal with Francisco Rodríguez

The Nationals are finalizing a minor league deal with Francisco Rodríguez, hoping the veteran closer might resurrect himself after a horrible start to his season in Detroit that got him released last week.

The deal isn't done yet, but a club source said it is expected to be completed soon. At that point, Rodríguez would report to Triple-A Syracuse and attempt to right his wayward ship in a low-pressure environment.

Rodríguez, 35, owns 437 saves and a 2.86 ERA over 16 big league seasons with the Angels, Mets, Brewers, Orioles and Tigers. He saved 44 games with a 3.24 ERA last year for Detroit, then crumbled this season allowing 22 earned runs, 31 hits, 11 walks and nine homers in 25 1/3 innings.

With his velocity also diminished - his fastball was down into the high 80s - Rodríguez was released by the Tigers over the weekend, making him a free agent. Detroit is on the hook for his $8 million salary, with the Nationals responsible only for paying him the prorated league minimum salary - at this point, that would equate to roughly $268,000 - if he makes the big league roster.

There's no guarantee Rodríguez would ever get that far. Once the contract is finalized, Rodríguez would report to Syracuse and try to earn his back into a Nationals bullpen that has ranked among the majors' worst this season.

The Nationals view this is a low-risk endeavor. If Rodríguez doesn't pan out - as was the case with 42-year-old closer Joe Nathan earlier this year - he'll be released before ever making it to Washington. If he does, he'll be given an opportunity to help stabilize the club's biggest problem area.

"Depends if he's still K-Rod," manager Dusty Baker said when asked if Rodriguez could help his team. "That's what it boils down. I'll take Sandy Koufax, but he may not be the same Sandy Koufax."

The Nationals won't sit idle after completing the Rodríguez deal. They're still pursuing a number of potential trade possibilities in their ongoing search for reliable bullpen arms.

The club's interest in Rodríguez was first reported by FanRagSports.com.