Nationals sign reliever Belisle to minor-league deal

VIERA, Fla. (AP) The Washington Nationals agreed to a minor-league deal with right-handed reliever Matt Belisle on Wednesday that includes an invite to spring training.

The 35-year-old Belisle is a 12-year major league veteran who spent last season with the St. Louis Cardinals. He also pitched for new Nationals manager Dusty Baker in Cincinnati.

Belisle had a 2.67 earned-run average in 34 appearances last season. He has a career 4.34 ERA.

Belisle and the rest of Washington's pitchers and catchers report to spring training Thursday.