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WASHINGTON -- The Washington Nationals have cut reliever Jonathan Papelbon, who rarely pitched after the NL East leaders recently traded for new closer Mark Melancon.Papelbon was released Saturday. The Nationals needed a roster spot to promote righty Reynaldo Lopez to start against Atlanta.There wasnt a real fit anymore, Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. Didnt know where to use him.Papelbon, ninth on the career saves list with 368, only threw 2 2/3 innings after his final blown save on July 26. The Nationals got Melancon a few days later from Pittsburgh.The 35-year-old Papelbon, suspended by the Nationals last September after grabbing NL MVP Bryce Harper by the throat during a dugout skirmish, is now a free agent and can sign with any team.The Nationals are responsible for the remainder of his $11 million salary this year.Papelbon has converted 19 of 22 save chances this season, and is 2-4 with a 4.37 ERA.The six-time All-Star had trouble in July, giving up eight runs and seven hits in three outings, before the Nationals got Melancon from the Pirates. Melancon immediately took over the closers role.Washington acquired the fiery Papelbon in July 2015 to replace Drew Storen as its closer. The Nationals, favored by many to make the World Series, faltered down the stretch and missed the playoffs, and Papelbons altercation with Harper became a symbol for the teams frustration.Once the Nats got Melancon, Papelbon had no set spot in their bullpen.Baker called Papelbon a professional in response to the demotion. Teammates pushed back against any notion of the recent situation or last seasons incident with Harper causing locker room issues.Hes not a distraction whatsoever, ace Max Scherzer said. He comes in to play every single day, he works his absolute tail off and he competes on the mound for us.All that stuff, last year ... just a media circus. We were 100 percent behind him. We understood all his intentions. He was great for our team. He was great for everybody in this clubhouse. To sit here and say hes a bad teammate or anything like that, its garbage to me, he said.Papelbon made his major league debut with Boston in 2005. In 2007, he pitched 10 2/3 scoreless innings in the postseason and helped the Red Sox win the World Series.He was a great teammate. He was popular with his teammates, Baker said. We wish Pap the best and he wished us the best. He wanted us to win (the World Series). Those were his parting words. Dave Schultz Jersey .J. Jefferson has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend. Bill Barber Flyers Jersey .Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone has drawn on his Syracuse connections once again by hiring Rob Moore to take over as receivers coach. http://www.hockeyflyersauthentic.com/ron-hextall-jersey/ . Aside from the trilogy main event title fight, there are a number of intriguing matchups in the heavyweight, welterweight and lightweight divisions. Oskar Lindblom Jersey . Clarkson had been dealing with an elbow injury in early January and will be out of action for at least one week. He has three goals and five assists through 36 games with the Leafs this season. Robert Hagg Flyers Jersey .Y. - Free agent outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, fresh off winning the World Series with Boston, reached agreement with the rival New York Yankees on a seven-year contract worth about $153 million, a person familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday night. DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke says leading rusher Jela Duncans college career is over after he ruptured his Achilles tendon.Coach David Cutcliffe said Sunday night that the senior running back was hurt a day earlier in a 38-35 loss at Georgia Tech and will have surgery Monday.Cutcliffe says the program is heartbroken for Jela and his family.Duncan had 450 yards rushing and six touchdowns in seven gamess this season for Duke (3-5, 0-4 Atlantic Coast Conference).dddddddddddd He had 2,025 yards rushing with 17 TDs for his career.Duncan is the third captain this season to suffer a season-ending injury, joining quarterback Thomas Sirk and defensive back DeVon Edwards. ' ' '