The Nationals unconditionally released Willy Taveras, according to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post (via Twitter). The Nationals designated the speedy outfielder for assignment over the weekend to make room for Michael Morse. It's the second time that Taveras has been released this year. The A's, who are responsible for most of Taveras' $4MM salary, released him in February before the Nationals signed him to a minor league deal.
Taveras didn't hit much in his 37 plate appearances this year and hasn't been a serious offensive threat for a couple years. He posted a .367 on base percentage for the 2007 Rockies, but like Kaz Matsui, who also played on that Rockies team, Taveras may have trouble finding a major league roster spot because of his recent struggles.
I feel bad for this guy. seriously.
You can’t steal first base and for a player with his speed there were very few doubles and triples. Just not much there offensively. iirc he had a great arm for a center fielder but was nothing special on defense otherwise. Not sure where he goes from here.
I could see either a duration in AAA with the Padres (they rebuilt Jody Gerut) or a stay in the independent league to try to “reestablish” himself. Just my opinion.