WASHINGTON (AP) — The Nationals added outfielder Jonny Gomes to their roster on Wednesday, one day after acquiring him in a trade with Cincinnati.
To make room for Gomes, Washington designated 43-year-old Matt Stairs for assignment.
Stairs, who holds the major league record with 23 pinch-hit home runs, was a disappointment for the Nationals. In 56 games, Stairs batted just .154 with two RBIs and didn’t hit a homer. Stairs was 6 for 39 as a pinch hitter.
Gomes wasn’t in the lineup for the game against Florida. Manager Davey Johnson said he wanted to give Gomes a day to get acclimated.
Right-handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang also returned from his rehab assignment. He is still on the disabled list and is scheduled to pitch Friday against the Mets.
