Nats release Heath Bell, option Taylor Jordan to Syracuse among moves

By Josh Land

Nationals

March 23, 2015, 3:17pm

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VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals announced they have optioned right-handed pitcher Taylor Jordan to Triple-A Syracuse, reassigned infielder Matt Skole and right-hander Evan Meek to minor league camp and released right-handed reliever Heath Bell.

Bell, a non-roster invitee, came to Viera hoping to find a late-inning role on a Nats staff that lost Tyler Clippard late in the offseason. He wasn't able to regain the magic that saw him appear in three All-Star Games when he was one of the game's best closers with the Padres. He gave up four earned runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and five walks in 6 1/3 innings this spring. He actually pitched a scoreless ninth for the save in today's 7-6 win over the Yankees.

Jordan is 1-6 with a 4.31 ERA in nine career big league starts with the Nationals. Taylor came to spring training still recovering from surgery to remove bone chips in his right elbow He gave three runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and two walks in eight exhibition innings.

Skole had a strong spring. The promising prospect batted .409 with two homers, a double and seven RBIs in 18 games.