Nationals release C Derek Norris in favor of Matt Wieters

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have unconditionally released catcher Derek Norris, who at one point appeared to be penciled in as Washington's starting catcher but became expendable after the club signed free agent Matt Wieters.

The Nationals announced the move Wednesday via Twitter.

Norris, originally a first-round draft pick by Washington in 2007, was reacquired by the team in December via a trade with the San Diego Padres for minor league right-hander Pedro Avila.

Norris batted .186 with 14 homers and 42 RBIs with San Diego last season. WithWilson Ramos-- Washington's starting catcher in 2016 --gone after signing as a free agent with Tampa Bay, Norris was in line for the job. That is, until four-time All-Star Wieters joined the Nationals last month.