Nationals signed LHP Sean West to a minor league contract.

West hasn't appeared in the majors since 2010. He had a 5.59 ERA in 87 innings last year at the Triple-A level.

Marlins sent LHP Sean West outright to Triple-A New Orleans.

West is off the 40-man roster after clearing waivers, which speaks volumes about how much his stock as dropped since being selected as a supplemental first-round pick in 2005. The 25-year-old southpaw posted an ugly 5.59 ERA and 56/46 K/BB ratio over 87 innings at the Triple-A level last year and underwent offseason elbow surgery.

Marlins optioned LHPs Sean West and Dustin Richardson, RHPs Steve Cishek and Alex Sanabia and OF Bryan Petersen to Triple-A to Triple-A New Orleans.

West is coming off an injury-plagued season that saw him eventually get shut down from pitching in the Arizona Fall League due to discomfort in his left elbow. The Marlins would likely pluck West or Sanabia from the minors should injuries befall their starting rotation. In addition to the names mentioned above, catchers Kyle Skipworth, and Vinny Rottino and right-handers Tom Koehler and Shawn Hill were reassigned to minor league camp.

Sean West got battered by the Rays on Tuesday, allowing six hits and seven runs (two earned) in only two innings.

He allowed a two-run homer to Manny Ramirez in the first inning. His spring ERA now rests at 9.00, and he finds himself well down on the Marlins' depth chart. He'll be lucky to make more than five major-league starts this season.

Sean West, who was shut down in the Arizona Fall League with an elbow strain, has yet to throw this spring because of soreness in the area.

West is no higher than seventh on the Marlins' SP depth chart at the moment, but he still has a fair amount of promise if he can stay healthy. The 24-year-old had a 3.12 ERA in 12 starts for Triple-A New Orleans last season.

An MRI on Sean West's right knee revealed no structural damage.

West, who was placed on the DL Thursday, might need only the minimum 15 days. However, it's not clear if he'll immediately regain his spot in the rotation given how Alex Sanabia pitched Thursday. That said, West is likely to be back in September either way.

Marlins placed LHP Sean West on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 15, with inflammation in his right knee.

West is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday evening that should give us all a better idea of how long he might be out. The lefty has allowed nine runs -- eight earned -- in two starts this year.

According to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post, the Marlins may scratch Sean West from his Thursday start due to a knee injury.

If the Fish go through with that plan, Alex Sanabia is likely to be called up from Triple-A New Orleans to start in West's place. The 24-year-old West has allowed eight earned runs in two starts (9 1/3 innings) this season and probably doesn't belong in the big league rotation anyway.

Sean West allowed five runs -- four earned -- over five innings in a loss to the Phillies on Tuesday night.

The Marlins recalled West from Triple-A Jacksonville earlier in the day. He posted a 3.12 ERA over 11 starts on the farm, but reverted to his struggles from last season in his first major league start of the year. West allowed nine hits, striking out four and walking one. He's a risky play in NL-only formats.

Marlins recalled RHP Sean West from Triple-A Jacksonville.

As expected, West will make the start against Roy Halladay and the Phillies on Tuesday night. The 23-year-old right-hander failed to make the team last season, but posted a 4.79 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 20 starts with the big club last season. He posted a 3.12 ERA over 11 starts with Triple-A New Orleans this season, averaging 7.2 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9. He's worth picking up in NL-only formats.