It was assumed Clippard was done when he never showed up anywhere this spring, but this makes it official. Clippard, 38, had a 3.16 ERA and a 131 ERA+ over 807 big-league appearances. He saved 32 games in 2012, won 11 games in relief in 2010 and posted a 1.83 ERA over 88 1/3 innings in 2011. He twice struck out more than 100 batters in relief, he made two All-Star teams and, aside from his one bad year in 2017, he was almost always effective while pitching for 10 teams in 16 seasons. That’s a really nice career.

The 37-year-old hurler had been designated for assignment earlier in the week and passed through waivers unclaimed. Clippard posted a troublesome 7.20 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over his tiny five-inning sample with the Nationals. It's unclear if he'll look to latch on elsewhere -- most likely on a minor league deal -- or if it's time he decides to call it quits.

Clippard had allowed four earned runs over just five innings of work this season with Washington.

Clippard made just one appearance for the Nats last month before going down with a groin injury. He's ready to rejoin the bullpen now and figures to serve in middle relief.