WASHINGTON -- Infielder Wil Cordero was designated for assignment Wednesday by the Washington Nationals, who also claimed outfielder Kenny Kelly off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
Cordero, 33, was batting .118 (6-for-51) with two RBI in 29 games with the Nationals this season. He went 0-for-14 as a pinch-hitter and 0-for-18 with runners in scoring position.
Cordero entered the season, his 14th in the majors, with a career .275 average, 122 home runs and 564 RBI. He joined the Nationals in the offseason for his third stint with the franchise, but he's been hampered by left knee problems.
"I know I can still play. No doubt," said Cordero, who will try to catch on with another club.
Washington had 10 days to trade him or release him.
Kelly, who played quarterback at the University of Miami, was 3-for-9 with two RBI in seven games with the Reds this season. He hit .326 with three homers, 17 RBI and 18 stolen bases in 22 attempts at Triple-A Louisville.
He'll be used primarily as a pinch-runner at first in Washington.
In other moves, the Nationals removed left-hander Joe Horgan and right-hander Jacobo Sequea from the 40-man roster. Horgan was sent outright to Triple-A New Orleans and Sequea to Double-A Harrisburg.
skinzfan44 
