The Washington Nationals released Jeremy Hellickson from his original minor league deal and re-signed the right-hander to a new one.

The move was made to avoid having to pay a $100,000 retention bonus that Hellickson was due as an Article XX(B) free agent.

Hellickson has only been in camp with the Nationals for a little more than a week and has thrown only four innings. In addition to saving $100,000, Washington also wants to further evaluate if Hellickson fits into their plans for 2018.