LOS ANGELES -- The Nationals signed outfielder Gerardo Parra to a one-year, $555,000 minimum deal Thursday, and the left-handed hitter was available off the bench for the opener of a four-game series against the Dodgers.
To make room on the active roster, outfielder Andrew Stevenson was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 7, with back spasms. The Nationals also designated right-hander Jimmy Cordero for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez said the 32-year-old Parra would start against right-handed pitchers on occasion, while also being a pinch-hit option. Parra elected to become a free agent Tuesday after he was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants and cleared waivers.
Parra was batting .198 with one home run and six RBIs in 30 games with the Giants this season. He is a career .277 hitter with 80 home runs and 480 RBIs over 11 seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies and Giants.