Former Red Sox lefty reliever Richard Bleier is headed to D.C.
Bleier, who Boston designated for assignment in August, signed with the Nationals on Thursday.
Andrew Golden of the Washington Post reported the news and tweeted:
“The Nationals have signed Richard Bleier to a minor league contract, per source. The 36 year old lefty spent last season with the Boston Red Sox before being DFA’d in August. 3.27 ERA over 8 major league seasons.”
Followed by:
“Dave Martinez has joked the last few springs about wanting multiple lefty relievers. This year, they enter the season w/Jose A. Ferrer and Robert García on the 40-man. Both showed flashes of potential in 2023. Bleier gives the Nats more depth w/Joe La Sorsa as well.”
The Red Sox traded Matt Barnes to the Marlins for Bleier in January of 2023 after initially designating Barnes for assignment.
Bleier, 36, appeared in 27 games for the Sox. He was 1-0 with a 5.28 ERA and a 1.370 WHIP and had just 16 strikeouts in 30.2 innings for Boston before being cut loose in August.
