Valverde agreed to a minor league contract with the Nationals on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports. Valverde was released by the Padres early in April despite a strong spring training. He'll likely wind up at Triple-A to begin, but he could work his way into the bullpen should he perform well and injuries occur.

Velverde has opted out of his minor league contract and was granted his release by the Padres on Thursday, MLB.com's Corey Brock reports. Valverde limited opponents to a .222 batting average this spring, but it wasn't quite enough to earn a roster spot after entering camp as a non-roster invite. The 37-year-old reliever may have another season or two of ball left in him, but he'll likely have to accept a team-friendly deal to keep his career afloat.

Valverde struck out the side in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday against Colorado. San Diego took a flier on the veteran closer this offseason and Valverde is battling for a roster spot. According to MLB.com's Corey Brock, Valverde has impressed the Padres' coaching staff this spring. It's still no guarantee that he'll make the big league roster out of camp, however.

Valverde has signed a minor-league deal with the Padres, Adam Rubin of ESPN reports. Barring a return to form and a series of unfortunate events in the San Diego bullpen, Valverde isn't going to close or even set the table this season. Valverde hasn't had an ERA below 5 since 2012 and would have to light up spring training to see the majors any time soon.

Mets released RHP Jose Valverde.

Jose Valverde earned his first win of the season after pitching a scoreless 14th inning on Sunday. After being removed from the closer's role on Saturday, Valverde was called on to keep the game tied Sunday afternoon. He allowed a single but was otherwise spotless, and he was rewarded for his work when the Mets pushed a run across in the bottom half of the inning. He'll need a lot more days like that before he inserts his name back into the Mets' closer discussion.

According to ESPN New York's Adam Rubin, the Mets are likely to make a change at closer. Valverde surrendered three runs Saturday against the Braves in his latest of a string of rough outings. Mets manager Terry Collins said he would address his players before making an official announcement to the media. Vic Black has been putting up zeroes at Triple-A, but his control is still an issue. The Mets might go with a committee.

Mets manager Terry Collins said he's sticking with Jose Valverde as his closer. Collins was pressed about his closer situation after Valverde allowed two home runs in the ninth inning of Wednesday's win over the Diamondbacks. It was the second straight outing in which Valverde served up a homer, and he's allowed five runs over his past two appearances. The 36-year-old may still be the go-to guy for now, but his leash can't be too terribly long at this point.

Jose Valverde allowed two solo home runs in a non-save situation during Wednesday's win over the Diamondbacks. Called on to protect a five-run lead, the closer promptly served up back-to-back jacks to Aaron Hill and Paul Goldschmidt before escaping without further damage. The idea that he wasn't sharp because it wasn't a save situation might apply under different circumstances, but Valverde was beat up by the Angels his last time out as well. This carriage might be quickly turning back into a pumpkin.

Jose Valverde blew a save by giving up a three-run homer to the Angels' Raul Ibanez in the ninth inning Saturday. There's the Valverde we know and love. He had pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, so he was really saving up for this one. The Mets will hope it's not a sign of things to come, but with Valverde, who really knows? Gonzalez Germen's stock is on the rise.