Lerud signed a minor league deal, which includes a spring training invite, with the Nationals on Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of CSN reports. Lerud spent last season in the Braves organization, hitting .250/.376/.390 in 164 at-bats for Triple-A Gwinnett. He's played just nine career major league games, and the 30-year-old will likely spent the bulk of 2015 at the Triple-A level.

Braves signed C Steven Lerud to a minor league contract. The 29-year-old backstop appeared in 61 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2013, slashing .217/.353/.311 with three homers and 21 RBI. He'll function merely as additional catching depth for the Braves.

Phillies sent C Steven Lerud outright to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Lerud is a .222/.315/.354 career hitter in the minors. He will continue to serve as organizational depth.

Phillies optioned C Steven Lerud to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The move clears a spot for Carlos Ruiz (hamstring) to return from the disabled list. Lerud went 0-for-5 in six games during his brief stint with the big club.

Phillies purchased the contract of C Steven Lerud from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Lerud, who appeared in three games for the Phils last season, was batting .221/.383/.316 with a couple homers at Lehigh Valley. He'll serve as Humberto Quintero's backup while Carlos Ruiz and Erik Kratz are out.

Phillies sent C Steven Lerud outright to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Lerud managed two hits in 10 at-bats this season as a September call-up. The 28-year-old catcher will go on acting as organizational depth for the Phillies.