The Nationals have released 40-year old lefty reliever Ron Villone. Villone pitched in 41 games (1 start) in AAA-ball for the Nationals this year and he was 2-5 with 1 save, a 6.59 ERA and a 1.89 WHIP. Villone gave up 50 hits (7 homers) and he walked 30 batters in 42 1/3 innings this season. There is more than enough evidence that Villone’s career is near the end of the line so the Nationals won’t miss him one bit.

26-year old righty reliever Josh Wilkie is opening some eyes in AAA this year. He has pitched in 34 games (1 start) in AAA-ball so far this season and he is 2-3 with 5 saves, a 1.61 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. He has only given up 32 hits in 44 2/3 innings this season and he has 35 whiffs as he has pitched very well this year. If nothing else look for Wilkie to get promoted when rosters expand on September 1st as long as he keeps pitching well.

22-year old righty swinging 2B Jeff Kobernus is not showing much in the minors so far this season. He was the Nationals’ #7 prospect heading into this season according to Baseball America. Kobernus has played in 47 games in A-ball so far this season and he is 53 of 203 (.261 avg, .599 OPS) with 22 runs scored, 0 homers, 20 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. He has now played in 57 games in his two years as a pro and he is 62 of 244 (.254 avg, .585 OPS) with 30 runs scored, 0 homers, 22 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. The Nationals will likely take things slow with Kobernus.

Recently signed 29-year old switch hitting 1B/OF Jason Botts is off to a so-so start for the Nationals in AAA. Botts has played in 14 games in AAA-ball this season for the Nationals and he is 10 of 40 (.250 avg, .751 OPS) with 4 runs scored, 1 homers and 5 RBIs. Botts last played in the majors in 2008 with the Rangers. Botts has played in 93 games in his major league career and he is 65 of 282 (.230 avg, .669 OPS) with 33 runs scored, 5 homers and 28 RBIs. Botts has whiffed 108 times in the majors as he does have some holes in his swing.

34-year old righty reliever is setting himself up well in AAA to get himself another chance at the majors soon for the Nationals. Peralta has pitched in 22 games (0 starts) in AAA-ball this year and he is 1-0 with 17 saves, a 0.72 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. He has whiffed 31 batters in only 25 innings this season while only allowing 18 hits showing just how nasty he has been. Peralta has pitched in 221 games (0 starts) in his major league career to this point and he is 4-11 with 2 saves, a 4.61 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. The Nationals will likely be giving Peralta a call soon to help out in the pen.