Kimball, Accardo cut from Nats camp (plus Young note)

VIERA, Fla. - First pitch in the Tigers-Nationals game is 20 minutes way, but the Nats have made two more cuts. Right-hander Cole Kimball has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, while right-hander Jeremy Accardo has been reassigned to minor league camp. Kimball, in his first camp since right shoulder surgery performed in July 2011, pitched to a 2.84 ERA in seven relief appearances this spring. He hasn't pitched since March 13 because of tightness in his back and was scheduled to throw a bullpen session for manager Davey Johnson this morning. Accardo, a veteran of eight major league seasons who signed a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp a week before spring training, had a 5.14 ERA in seven Grapefruit League outings. The moves leave the Nationals with 32 players in camp. Earlier today, the Nats signed veteran left-handed reliever J.C. Romero to a minor league contract with a spring training invitation. He is expected to join the club tomorrow. Note: General manager Mike Rizzo continues to have discussions with the representatives of veteran right-handed starter Chris Young, who has a March 24 opt-out clause in the minor league deal he signed with the Nationals in February. It's doubtful Young can crack the Nationals staff, barring an injury or trade. But he said he's enjoyed his time with the Nats and isn't eager to leave the clubhouse. Rizzo said the Nats wouldn't stand in the way of a major league opportunity, should Young find one. Earlier this week, the club released non-roster catcher Chris Snyder so he could sign a deal with the Los Angeles Angels. "If he has an opportunity to pitch in the big leagues, we're certainly not going to keep him in the minor leagues," Rizzo said. "I think that's only right. And that's how we get these players to come with us in these conditions - they know we're going to do right by them."