Viera, Fla. -- The Washington Nationals signed catcher Josh Bard to a minor-league deal on Saturday. But he's got competition for the backup spot behind Jesus Flores.
Wil Nieves, who caught 68 games as the Nationals' backup last season, is also in the running for the job.
Bard was released by the Red Sox on Wednesday, and will join the Nationals' big league camp. He would make $600,000 this year if he makes the major league team.
The 30-year-old catcher played 57 games for San Diego last season, hitting .202 with a home run and 16 RBIs. His best season came in 2006, when he hit .338 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs in 93 games for the Padres.
Nieves figured to have a roster spot locked up until Washington signed Bard.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
