Atilano designated for assignment

The Nats designated right-hander Luis Atilano for assignment Wednesday. The move was made after Major League Baseball approved Adam LaRoche’s  contract. Last January, Washington signed LaRoche to a two-year deal. 

As for Atilano, the Nats have 10 days to trade him, reassign him to the Minor Leagues or release him.

Last season, Atilano pitched in 16 games and was 6-7 with a 5.15 ERA for Washington before having surgery to remove bone chips in his right elbow.

Atilano has a history of elbow problems. He had elbow reconstruction a few months before the Nationals acquired him from the Braves for outfielder Daryle Ward in 2006.

In other news: Every Nationals pitcher and catcher reported to Spring Training except for right-handers Elvin Ramirez and Henry Rodriguez, and catcher Carlos Maldonado  All three had visa issues and are expected to report in the next few days.