The Washington Nationals have signed outfielder Jason Michaels as a player and hitting coach for the team's minor league system, according to William Ladson of MLB.com.

Michaels is likely looking for an opportunity to transition from playing professionally to coaching, and his contract with the Nationals should allow him to begin that switch. Presumably he will help coach his teammates while he continues playing until he takes on a more permanent coaching role.

Michaels spent the 2012 season with the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate. Totaling 113 plate appearances in 35 games, the 36-year-old hit .202/.265/.288 with three doubles and two home runs.

Michael last appeared in the majors in 2011 as a member of the Houston Astros. That season he hit .199/.256/.295 with nine doubles and two home runs over 169 plate appearances.

Prior to his disappointing 2011 campaign, Michaels had been a relatively productive reserve player for the Astros. He hit .246/.315/.452 as a backup outfielder and pinch hitter from 2009-10.

Michaels only totaled north of 500 plate appearances in a season once over his 11 years in the majors. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and did well after debuting with them in 2001, hitting .292/.382/.444 from 2002-05.

Michaels played in the majors as a member of the Phillies, Astros, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates. He owns a career batting line of .263/.335/.407.


(mlbdailydish.com)

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- When the Washington Nationals decided to reassign outfielder Jason Michaels to minor league camp last Thursday, manager Davey Johnson called it the "hardest" cut he had to make that day.

The Nationals liked what Michaels brought as a veteran presence in their clubhouse and the experience he could impart, particularly to Bryce Harper, whose locker his was conveniently located next to.

But as far as an on-field fit, Michaels was beat out by Brett Carroll and late-entrant Xavier Nady for an outfield/bench spot. By the end of the day Thursday, the Nationals had announced they'd released Michaels, making him a free agent who could sign with any team.

Monday morning, he officially chose them to be that team -- even if it meant going to Triple-A a month before his 36th birthday.

"I have a great affection for Jason," said Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, the day after the team had released him. "He played great here, he was an outstanding teammate. It was no coincidence he was lockered next to Harper. He just wasn't a fit at this time but I'd love to have him in the organization. I think he'll help us or somebody in the big leagues very soon."

Johnson joins a crowded outfield at Triple-A. Bryce Harper will get most of the reps in center field, sharing time with Corey Brown. Chris Curran and Jesus Valdez are also already on the outfield roster for Syracuse. The Nationals look poised to open the season with Jayson Werth, Roger Bernadina, Carroll, Nady and Mark DeRosa as their primary outfield options with Michael Morse likely to open the year on the disabled list and Rick Ankiel possibly starting there as well. 

Michaels hit .220 with one homer and one double during his time in major league camp with the Nationals. He also dropped two routine fly balls in left field. 

Johnson said on Saturday that he expected Michaels to return to the organization, this move makes that expectation complete. 


(washingtontimes.com)

Viera, Fla. – When an 11-year major-league veteran such as outfielder Jason Michaels finds himself in Triple-A, he’s usually not happy.

But Michaels, who was released by the Washington Nationals earlier this week, but signed a minor-league contract to play in Syracuse, genuinely appears happy to have a job.

“I still love the game, that’s No. 1,’’ Michaels said during his first day with the Chiefs. “No. 2 , I still feel like I can contribute in some way. I just need to keep playing and keep my at-bats up.’’

Michaels, 35, has played in the big leagues with Philadelphia, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Houston, He spent the last three seasons with the Astros. When Michaels played for the Pirates in 2008, first-year Chiefs manager Tony Beasley was the Pirates’ third base coach.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson said cutting Michaels was one of the more difficult decisions of the spring.

“I really like him,’’ Johnson said. “He’s a major-league player. He just wasn’t a good fit for us right now.’’

Johnson expressed hope that Michaels would go to Triple-A, which eventually happened.

Michaels said he might even be inspired playing in Syracuse with top prospects such as outfielder Bryce Harper and first baseman Tyler Moore.
“We’ll win some games down here and have some fun,’’ Michaels said. “That’s what I like to do, have fun.

“It looks like we’ll have a good competitive team,’’ Michaels added “I really do look forward to it.’’


(syracuse.com)

Jason Michaels told Bill Ladson of MLB.com that he won't make the Nationals' Opening Day roster.

Michaels, a non-roster invitee, is batting just .220 (9-for-41) with one home run and seven RBI this spring. The 35-year-old outfielder has expressed a willingness to open the season with Triple-A Syracuse.


(rotoworld.com)

Nationals outfielder Jason Michaels told MLB.com on Friday that he is hoping to catch on as a bench player with the club this spring. He signed a minor-league deal with Washington in the offseason after batting .199 with two homers and 10 RBI in 89 games for the Astros a year ago. 'I still feel I have a lot to improve on. Everything,' Michaels said. 'The main thing is to try to have a good at-bat, trying to swing at strikes. A walk is just as good as a hit, just get on base. I'm always trying to improve. As a player you always have to think that way. You can't be complacent or satisfied.'


(fantasysp.com)

Of the Washington Nationals outfielders in camp on non-roster invites, pay attention to veteran Jason Michaels and former perennial prospect Xavier Paul. At 35, MIchaels is a pro's pro who hits from the right side, comfortable in a backup role and able to play all three outfield position. Paul will be 26 later this month, boasts speed and versatility, and is still waiting for his power to develop. He's flamed out with the Dodgers and Pirates, but a new club gives him new hope.


(masnsports.com)

Astros shortstop Clint Barmes and outfielder Jason Michaels were among the 148 players to file for free agency Sunday morning.

The MLBPA released the names of the players.

Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, Jose Reyes, C.J. Wilson, Carlos Beltran, David Ortiz, Jimmy Rollins, Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle, Jonathan Broxton, Johnny Damon, Ryan Madson, Jonathan Papelbon, Magglio Ordonez, Roy Oswalt, Jorge Posada and Francisco Rodriguez represent some of the biggest names to file.

The labor agreement permits exclusive negotiating rights to a player's former team until this Thursday, Nov. 3 at 12:01 a.m. ET.

Free agents can then negotiate and sign with any team. 

The start of free agency was delayed for 24 hours after the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association announced the delay last Friday.

Teams have until Nov. 23 to offer salary arbitration to those who filed for free agency in order to receive draft picks as compensation -- if their player decides to sign a contract elsewhere.



(examiner.com)

Astros right fielder Jason Michaels broke his left hand making a diving catch in Tuesday’s victory over the Phillies and will miss the remainder of the season.

Michaels, 35, is scheduled for surgery today to repair a displaced fracture of the fourth left metacarpal bone. He batted .199 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 156 at-bats.

Rookie J.B. Shuck replaced Michaels and went 3-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base.
Manager Brad Mills doesn’t foresee a need to add another outfielder to the active roster.
“I think we can make do,” Mills said. “ We’ll mix them around or whatever, but I think we’ll be OK.”


(fantasysp.com)

The hot button issue for Houston Astros fans this past month has been the amount of playing time Brian Bogusevic, converted pitcher and light-hitting outfielder turned King Beastmode, has been receiving. With Jordan Schafer and J.D. Martinez getting most of the starts in CF and LF respectively, Bogusevic has been limited to right field. 

While Bogusevic is getting the lion's share of time against RHP, Brad Mills is automatically sitting Bogusevic against LHP and playing Michaels, even though the former has only seven at bats in the majors against lefties. Considering Michaels should be gone at the end of the season, Bogusevic should be getting all the time Mills needs to see what he could do for the Astros in 2012.

In Zachary Levine's notes, he quotes Mills as saying this:

"With the expanded rosters and we want to see what (Jason) Bourgeois continues to do and Jason Michaels on the ballclub - these guys are on the ballclub because they're major league players - we want to give them the opportunity to swing the bat and play as well. If we don't utilize those other guys on the bench, when we do need them to pinch-hit or whatever, they're not going to be ready at all."


(sbnation.com)

Astros OF Jason Michaels totaled two hits, including his sixth double, in four at-bats Wednesday against the Reds. Michaels came into the game 0 for 9 in his last eight games.



(fantasysp.com)

HOUSTON - The Houston Astros aren't going to make too much out of winning two straight games for the first time in more than a month.
But for this last place team, it sure feels good to end a series on a high note.

Pinch hitter Jason Michaels hit an RBI single in the 11th inning to lift the Astros to a 3-2 win over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday and give Houston consecutive victories and a series win for the first time since taking two of three from the Dodgers in June.

"It's good to see these guys rewarded for some good play," Houston manager Brad Mills said. "To have these back-to-back wins and win a series is big."

Humberto Quintero singled to right field before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt. He took third on a single by Michael Bourn to set up Michaels' game-winner to center off Todd Coffey (3-1).

Neither team got a hit in a scoreless 10th inning before Jayson Werth doubled with one out in the 11th. Wilton Lopez (2-4) retired the next two Nationals to end the scoring threat.

Houston starter Brett Myers is hopeful that the series will help the Astros get something positive going in the second half of the season.

"We need some momentum going right now," he said. "Obviously we're not playing our best baseball, but that series right there we played pretty well. It was close games. We slugged with them yesterday and we pitched with them today and ultimately we were able to come out winning."
It was the 15th extra-inning game for the Nationals this season and dropped their record in those games to 9-6.

Houston rookie Jose Altuve picked up his first major league hit with a single to right field off Tyler Clippard with two outs in the ninth. Clippard walked Hunter Pence before retiring Carlos Lee to send it to the 10th.

"Tyler was Houdini," Nationals manager Davey Johnson said. "He came in with two men on and nobody out and got out of it. He got into trouble the next inning and got out of it."

Werth had three hits and drove in Washington's only runs with a two-run homer that tied it 2-all in the sixth inning. It was his first homer since June 16.

"It's kind of like all year — we aren't matching up," he said. "If we pitch, we don't hit. You hope that we will match up. That's how you win games ... the pitching has been good all year, and we've been picking up the hitting. We are going to have to pitch, and we are going to have to hit if we are going to play in the postseason."

Henry Rodriguez walked Pence and Lee with no outs in the eighth inning and was replaced by Clippard. Brett Wallace put down a sacrifice bunt and Clippard intentionally walked Chris Johnson to load the bases. Clippard got out of the jam when Clint Barmes popped out and Quintero struck out.

Myers yielded eight hits and two runs in seven innings but did not factor into the decision, remaining winless since June 17.

"I didn't feel like I had my best stuff, but I was able to make pitches when I needed to," he said.

Livan Hernandez, who started for the Nationals, allowed seven hits and two runs with three strikeouts in six innings. He has allowed seven or more hits in five of his last six starts.

"He made quality pitches. He kept us in the ball game," Johnson said. "I hate that we couldn't win it for him, but unfortunately, we couldn't punch one across."

Hernandez retired six of the last seven he faced and was replaced by Rodriguez, who threw a 1-2-3 seventh.

Michael Morse singled in the sixth inning and Werth followed with his tying homer. The home run to the Crawford Boxes in left field was the 24th Myers has allowed this season — second-most in the majors. Rick Ankiel singled after the homer, but Myers retired the next two Nationals to end the inning.

Quintero pushed Houston's lead to 2-0 on an RBI double in the second inning.

Pence tripled in the first inning on a ball that bounced off the wall in left field and scored on a single by Lee to give Houston a 1-0 lead.
Altuve started at second base on Wednesday in his major league debut. He was called up from Double-A Corpus Christi on Tuesday after the team traded second baseman Jeff Keppinger to the San Francisco Giants.

"I was a little nervous in the beginning of the game," Altuve said. "And then just went out to play and it was pretty good.”


(weei.com)

Jason Michaels doubled in a run and plated two more with a home run in Thursday's win over the Rangers.

Michaels took advantage of a rare start by driving in three of the Astros' seven runs, giving him a total of eight on the year. The 35-year-old outfielder is batting .222 this season in his bench role with the 'Stros.


(rotoworld.com)

Astros OF Jason Michaels Michaels, who entered hitting .190 with three RBIs in 35 games, drove in two runs Monday against the Rangers. He had an RBI single in the fourth inning and duplicated the effort in the eighth. However, Michaels and the Astros would go on to lose 8-3 despite his 2 for 4 effort.


(fantasysp.com)

HOUSTON -- Astros outfielder Jason Michaels stepped onto the field for pre-game activities Friday night with a strong sense of rejuvenation and a redefined hunger for the 2011 regular season after being activated from the 15-day disabled list due to a subluxation of his left shoulder, which occurred while diving for a triple off the bat of Brewers slugger Prince Fielder on April 24.

The 35-year-old Michaels told Examiner.com that he's 100 percent healthy and doesn't expect his left shoulder to be a lingering issue.

He was pleased with the results of his five-game minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City, especially recording 22 plate appearances while hitting .300 (6-for-20) with two RBI and two doubles.

"I got a chance to go down there for five games and get 22 plate appearances," Michaels said. "I feel great. I had several good at-bats. I wanted to go down there, see the ball and have good at-bats. I was able to put some consistent at-bats together.

"Plus, my body feels great."

Manager Brad Mills, who has a tremendous amount of respect for Michaels, couldn't ask for more regarding the mentality and approach to the entire situation demonstrated by the veteran outfielder upon being placed on the 15-day disabled list.

"As soon as we put him on the DL, he showed his veteran approach," Mills said. "He came to me right away and said, 'I want to make sure I go on a rehab assignment. I want to get some at-bats, so when I come back, I am ready.' We were all in on that.

"We want him ready and to perform the best he can in his role."

Michaels will be called upon for an occasional spot start over the course of the season as the club's No. 4 outfielder, but it's his job to be a productive right-handed hitting option off the bench, as well as a solid defensive replacement in the late innings.



(examiner.com)

The Houston Astros will activate outfielder Jason Michaels from the 15-day disabled list prior to Friday's game against the New York Mets.
Michaels has been on the DL since sustaining a left shoulder subluxation while diving for a ball in left field on April 24 at Milwaukee. He is batting just .111 (2-for-18) with two walks in 11 games this season.

The Astros also announced that pitcher Nelson Figueroa and infielder Joe Inglett have each cleared waivers and have been outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Both players have the right to elect free agency.

Figueroa compiled an 0-3 record with an 8.69 earned run average in eight games -- five starts -- for Houston this year, while Inglett hit .222 (6-for-27) in 20 games.



(sacbee.com)

Jason Michaels (shoulder) played left field Monday and went 2-for-5 in his third minor league rehab game with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Michaels is 3-for-12 (.250) with a walk and four strikeouts over his first three games with the RedHawks. The Astros still want him to get some more at-bats, but we wouldn't be surprised to see him activated from the disabled list before the end of the week.



(rotoworld.com)

The Houston Astros placed outfielder Jason Michaels on the 15-day disabled list with a subluxation of his left shoulder.

The move, which is retroactive to April 25, was made on Tuesday and the team recalled outfielder Brian Bogusevic from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take his roster spot.

Michaels suffered the injury diving on a Prince Fielder triple in the third inning of Sunday's game against Milwaukee. He is batting just .111 with two walks over 11 games this season.

Bogusevic made his MLB debut with the Astros last season and over 19 games he batted .179 with three RBI.



(miamiherald.com)

Astros outfielder Jason Michaels has missed two straight games while battling mild back spasms after a solid 1-for-3 performance, including a solo home run off New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes, in Houston's 10-8 loss Sunday afternoon.

The 34-year-old Michaels, one of the most popular players in the Astros' clubhouse, is hitting a stellar .375 (6-for-16) with a homer, RBI, double, 10 total bases and two runs scored this spring.

According to manager Brad Mills, it's a minor concern and something that hasn't been a lingering issue for the veteran outfielder.

"Jason is alright," Mills said. "He's got that back spasm. It's been acting up on him a little bit. Hopefully, he'll be okay. We'll see what he's like tomorrow. I hope it doesn’t stem from kind of favoring his shoulder. He’s been in the DH role for us so far this year, so we’ll see."

The Astros exercised a $900,000 club option on Michaels for 2011 back in early October after he hit .253 with eight homers and 26 RBI last season.

Out of his 47 total hits in 2010, 23 of them (49 percent) were for extra bases -- eight home runs, 14 doubles and one triple.  



(examiner.com)