Nationals claim Xavier Cedeno from Astros

A team has claimed a player off waivers, and it wasn't the Toronto Blue Jays. I know, it's crazy. But believe it.

The Washington Nationals have claimed left-handed reliever Xavier Cedeno off waivers from the Houston Astros, the team has announced. The Nationals have optioned him to Triple-A.

Cliff Lee: Trade Candidate?

The Phillies could trade the veteran left-hander away again this summer if they aren't in contention.

Cedeno was designated for assignment by the Astros last week. They did so to open a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Brandon Laird. Following the move, general manager Jeff Luhnow told reporters that he was hoping to keep Cedeno in the organization.

After showing promise as a reliever with the Astros last season, Cedeno got off to a rough start in 2013. The 26-year-old allowed 11 runs -- eight earned -- on 10 hits with seven walks and three strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings. Last year, he maintained an ERA of 3.77 over 44 appearances spanning 31 innings with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.57.

While last season's work was alright, Cedeno now owns a career ERA of an even 6.00 over parts of three seasons in the majors.

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