Report: Nationals release Heath Bell

Heath Bell tossed a perfect ninth inning to secure his first spring save for the Washington Nationals on Monday.

The 37-year-old wasn't exactly rewarded for his efforts, though, as the Nationals released Bell shortly after their 7-6 victory over the New York Yankees at Space Coast Stadium, according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish.

Bell, a three-time All-Star, signed a minor-league deal with Washington in December following a disastrous 2014 campaign in which he made just 13 appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays. Across seven spring appearances with the Nationals, though, he managed an ugly 5.68 ERA while issuing five walks over 6 1/3 innings.

Once considered among the game's premier closers, Bell has struggled in recent years to replicate the success he enjoyed earlier in his career. He fashioned a 7.27 ERA with a 1.85 WHIP with Tampa Bay last season, allowing 24 hits while yielding eight walks in 17 1/3 innings.