Nationals announce signing of three more draft picks

The Nationals announced Friday that they have signed three more picks from the 2013 First-Year Player Draft. They are right-handed pitcher Nicholas Pivetta (fourth round), right-handed pitcher John Simms (11th round) and right-handed pitcher Andrew Cooper (12th round). That brings the number to 13 of the top 14 draft picks for the Nationals who are signed and ready to go. Washington's top selection, right-hander Jacob Johansen, is already on the short-season Single-A Auburn Doubledays roster. Twelve other later round selections are also signed and ready to play baseball. That brings the number to 25 players already signed from the June draft, a very good number within a couple of weeks of the draft. Nationals director of player development Doug Harris said the Nationals staff, including scouting director Kris Kline and assistant general manager Roy Clark, pinpointed talent that was ready to play now. "They did a tremendous job sending us the players and getting them signed quickly," Harris said. * Double-A Harrisburg starter Paul Demny was sent up to Triple-A Syracuse for a spot start because of the opening left when Ross Ohlendorf was called to the Nationals. He returned Tuesday to pitch a gem for the Senators, going seven innings and allowing one run in the 9-1 victory over Bowie.