Nationals claim Tyler Robertson off waivers from Twins

The Washington Nationals announced that they have claimed left-handed pitcher Tyler Robertson off waivers from the Minnesota Twins and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse. Robertson, 25, was designated for assignment by the Twins on Monday.

A third round pick in the 2006 draft, Robertson ascended through the Twins' system and made his major league debut in 2012. In 40 appearances out of the bullpen, he was 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA and 9.4 K/9 ratio. Outside of two April appearances with the big league club, Robertson has spent 2013 with Triple-A Rochester. In 21 games, he was 2-0 with a 3.05 ERA and 8.7 K/9 ratio.

After losing J.C. Romero (opted out and signed with the Indians) and Zach Duke (designated for assignment) this week, the Nationals' pickup of Robertson re-stocks the team's left-handed pitching depth. With lefties Fernando Abad, Xavier Cedeno, and Ian Krol currently in the major league bullpen, Robertson may not see action with the Nationals until rosters expand in September.