Nats promote Slaten from Syracuse

The Washington Nationals have called up reliever Doug Slaten from Triple-A Syracuse, adding a second left-hander to their bullpen.

To make room for the 30-year-old Slaten, the Nationals designated left-handed Matt Chico for assignment. Slaten was 3-5 with 13 holds and a 3.68 ERA in four seasons with Arizona.

The moves were announced Sunday morning, before Washington finished a three-game home series against Florida.

Slaten was claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks in November. He pitched 17 scoreless innings in Syracuse, striking out 17.

The 26-year-old Chico was recalled from Double-A Harrisburg to start Saturday's game against Florida. He worked five innings and got a no-decision.