The Nationals announced that they designated right-hander Collin Balester for assignment to create roster space for left-hander Ross Detwiler. The move is a formality because Balester has more than three years of service time, according to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post (Twitter links). Though the move technically vacates a spot on Washington's 40-man roster, Balester will be back on the roster later this week. 

Balester, 25, has a 4.61 ERA with an 11K/8BB ratio in 13 2/3 innings this season. In parts of four years with the Nationals, he has a 5.28 ERA with 6.8 K/9, 3.8 BB/9 and a 41% ground ball rate.

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Branyan, 35, was stuck in a three-way platoon with Juan Miranda and Xavier Nady at first base. He hit just .210/.290/.339 with one homer in 69 plate appearances, 17 of which came as a pinch-hitter... 

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Here is a player who was quite productive as early as the beginning of this season, which quickly turned south.  Can the Rays pick up another bat off the scap heap???  His average line for 162 game season goes: .280/.374/.492-  I think he'd be worth signing, could possibly be a future first baseman if 'los isn't retained.  The Rays have been great at finding discards, and I believe could do it again here.  Thoughts???