Nationals outright 1B Young to Class AAA

Nov 4, 2008 - 11:05 PM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Dmitri Young, who was limited to 50 games this past season due to injuries, was sent outright by the Washington Nationals to Class AAA Syracuse on Tuesday.

With Young not expected to be claimed off waivers due to his $5 million salary for next season, Washington completed the move to open up a spot on the 40-man roster to protect a prospect from the Rule 5 draft in December.

"Dmitri is doing well," Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said. "This is just an administrative move to open a roster spot for protecting prospects and trades."

Young, 35, could have elected to file for free agency because of the Nationals' move, but chose to remain in his two-year contract which includes a vesting option for 2010. He is expected to report to spring training as a non-roster invitee.

The move came a year after Young was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year in 2007, hitting .320 with 13 home runs and 74 RBI in 136 while being named to the All-Star team.

However, Young struggled with his health this season, as complications with his diabetes and a strained left hip limited him to a campaign in which he hit just .280 with four home runs and 10 RBI.