Nats sign Michaels to minor league deal

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

April 02, 2012, 7:24am

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FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Nationals released Jason Michaels on Thursday. Now the veteran outfielder is back with the organization. The Nats announced today that they've agreed to terms on a minor league contract with Michaels, who will report to Triple-A Syracuse. Michaels hit .220 with one homer and seven RBIs in 41 at-bats with the Nats this spring. The 35-year-old had an opt-out clause in his original minor league deal with the Nats, and after looking around for a major league deal with another team over the last handful of days, has returned to the Nationals. The Nats really admired the way Michaels went about his business this spring, and were very appreciative of the way he took 19-year-old phenom Bryce Harper under his wing and helped mentor him prior to Harper being reassigned to minor league camp. Michaels and Harper were lockered next to each other in the Nats clubhouse, and it wouldn't surprise me if that was the same arrangement in Syracuse, where Michaels' mentorship can continue.