Reliever Tim Collins signed a minor-league contract with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, effectively ending a Royals tenure that included seven years in the organization and two Tommy John surgeries.
The Nationals announced the contract on Tuesday morning. Collins, who missed the last two seasons because of ongoing elbow issues, became a free agent following the 2016 season.
Collins, a 5-foot-7 left-hander, posted a 3.54 ERA while appearing in 228 games for the Royals from 2011 to 2014. His best season came in 2012, when he recorded a 3.36 ERA and struck out 93 batters in 69 2/3 innings.