Nats officially announce Janssen signing, designate Fornataro for assignment

The Nationals officially announced this afternoon that right-handed reliever Casey Janssen has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2016. The deal had previously been reported and confirmed last Wednesday, and is worth $5 million. "We are happy to add Casey Janssen to our stable of relief arms," general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement. "We're excited about what he will bring to our bullpen ' on the mound, as one of the most effective and consistent relievers the last several years, as well as in the clubhouse. He is a veteran guy who has a plethora of experience in late, high-leverage innings, and we're thrilled to add him to our mix." Janssen, 33, spent the last 10 years in the Blue Jays organization. Last season, he went 3-3 with a 3.94 ERA over 45 2/3 innings pitched. From 2011-13, however, Janssen was 11-2 with a 2.46 ERA while appearing in 173 games (102 games finished) with 58 saves, 170 strikeouts and a 0.977 WHIP in 172 innings. Before the All-Star break in 2014, Janssen was 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in 23 games (22 innings) with 14 saves. Janssen is 29-24 with a 3.52 ERA, 90 saves and 368 strikeouts in 493 career innings. He has recorded at least 22 saves in each of the last three seasons. To make room on the roster, the Nationals designated right-hander Eric Fornataro for assignment. Fornataro was claimed off waivers from the Cardinals in November. In eight games last season, Fornataro had no record and a 4.66 ERA.