Nationals optioned RHP Ross Ohlendorf, C Jhonatan Solano, INF Zach Walters, and RHP Christian Garcia to Triple-A Syracuse. Another round of spring cuts for the Nationals. Ohlendorf had been hoping to compete for a long relief job in camp, but that goal was hampered by a back injury. He'll try to get healthy at the Triple-A level.

Ross Ohlendorf reported improvement Friday and the feeling is that he has no structural issues with his back. Ohlendorf left Thursday's game after four batters due to back spasms, but it sounds like it won't be a long-term issue. The 31-year-old projects to serve as a long reliever for the Nats this season.

Ross Ohlendorf was removed from Thursday's appearance due to back spasms. Ohlendorf first felt them against the first hitter, and he went on to let all four hitters he faced reach base. He'll be re-evaluated Friday morning. Ohlendorf also has dealt with tightness in his side this spring.

Ross Ohlendorf left Thursday's game after four batters due to an apparent injury. Ohlendorf didn't retire any of the hitters he faced before going into the clubhouse with the trainer. He's dealt with tightness in his side this spring, so he could have aggravated it. The Nationals should update his status shortly.

Ross Ohlendorf (side, finger) will make his Grapefruit League debut Friday. Ohlendorf is a bit behind this spring after dealing with side discomfort and a finger issue, but there's still plenty of time for him to get ready for the season. The 31-year-old currently projects to serve as a long reliever.

Ross Ohlendorf (side) threw his first spring training bullpen session Thursday. Ohlendorf had been held back by a sore left side, but it appears he's back on track. Assuming he's healthy, the veteran right-hander will serve as the Nationals' long reliever this season.

Nationals avoided arbitration with RHP Ross Ohlendorf by agreeing to a one-year contract. The financials aren't yet known. Ohlendorf proved to be a nice swingman for the Nationals this past season, posting a 3.28 ERA over 60 1/3 innings. He should fill the same role in 2014.

Ross Ohlendorf surrendered three earned runs over six innings Wednesday in a loss to the Braves. Ohlendorf carried a no-no into the fourth inning but struggled late, yielding four total hits -- two of which were home runs. It's probably time to rule out Washington for one of the National League Wild Card spots.

Starting in place of Stephen Strasburg, Ross Ohlendorf allowed one run over five innings Friday in a win over the Phillies. It was a very solid start under the circumstances. Ohlendorf held the Phillies to five hits and two walks while striking out three. The lone run scored on an RBI single by Carlos Ruiz in the first inning. Whether Ohlendorf makes another start will likely depend on Strasburg's progress in the coming days.

Ross Ohlendorf has been moved to the bullpen. Ohlendorf yielded four runs in five innings Saturday against the Mets and the Nationals can't afford another clunker. Tanner Roark will take the rotation vacancy.