Nationals released RHP Cla Meredith.

Meredith underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery last week in the nation's capital and won't be available for the entirety of the 2011 season. The Nats only inked him to a one-year minor league contract, so cutting ties was pretty easy.

Cla Meredith underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Wiemi Douoguih performed the procedure, which was deemed a success. Meredith was in Nationals camp this spring hoping to land a bullpen gig, but he came down with elbow issues almost immediately and won't be able to pitch for at least another 12 months.

Cla Meredith will undergo Tommy John surgery on Wednesday.

Tough break. The surgery will be performed by Nationals team doctor Wiemi Douoguih in Washington, DC. Tommy John surgery requires 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation, so there's a chance he could be ready for game action as soon as spring training next year.

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said Monday that Cla Meredith may need "significant" elbow surgery.

That's no good. That was the diagnosis after Meredith underwent a second MRI. The team is flying him to D.C. in order to determine a course of action. Meredith had arthroscopic surgery on the elbow over the offseason, but it sounds like he could be headed for a lengthy absence.

Cla Meredith underwent an arthrogram on his elbow Friday.

An arthrogram is an enhanced version of an MRI where doctors inject dye into the joint in hopes of getting a better idea what exactly is wrong. Meredith's first bullpen session of the spring was cut short due to pain in his elbow, but an MRI revealed no issues. However, medication didn't really help and he still had pain when he tried to throw Friday. Meredith had arthroscopic surgery on the elbow over the offseason, and it's sounding like another procedure could be in the offing.

Cla Meredith's elbow, not his back, is still the main issue the right-hander is dealing with.

Meredith did tweak his back Friday as reported, but it was the elbow that forced him to halt his workout. He'll undergo more tests on the elbow soon. "I'm sure he's down in the dumps about it," manager Jim Riggleman said. Meredith, who had arthroscopic surgery on the elbow over the offseason, is not off to a good start in his bid to win a bullpen spot.

Cla Meredith hurt his back fielding grounders on Friday.

It's another setback for Meredith, who had arthroscopic surgery on the elbow over the offseason. He felt pain in that elbow earlier this month and has had back pain wiped out his last two days. The side-winding right-hander allowed nine earned runs in 15 innings for the Orioles last year and is trying to win a spot in the Nationals' Opening Day bullpen this spring. Meredith's tough-luck spring is not going to help him in that regard.

An MRI on Cla Meredith's elbow showed no new damage.

Meredith had arthroscopic surgery on the elbow over the offseason, and the pain he has felt is evidently just the scar tissue breaking up. It's not clear when he'll be able to return to the mound, but this is certainly positive news. Meredith is hoping to win a bullpen spot this spring.

Cla Meredith has received an MRI on his sore pitching elbow.

The results are not yet known. Meredith had arthroscopic surgery over the offseason, and the Nationals are hoping he's just experiencing some scar tissue breaking up. Manager Jim Riggleman said the team would likely have an update on Meredith's status later Saturday.

Cla Meredith cut a bullpen session short Friday after feeling discomfort in his arm.

"I'm four months out of surgery," Meredith told reporters after walking off the mound. "That's all I'm going to comment on that." It sure sounds like this may be a significant setback. Meredith is in Nationals camp this spring, trying to win a spot in the club's Opening Day bullpen.

Nationals signed RHP Cla Meredith to a minor league contract.

The deal carries an invitation to spring training, where Meredith will try to land a spot in the back end of the Nationals' Opening Day bullpen. He allowed nine earned runs in 15 innings for the Orioles last year.

Cla Meredith cleared waivers and has accepted a minor league assignment with Triple-A Norfolk.

Meredith was designated for assignment last week. The 26-year-old right-hander posted a 5.40 ERA over 21 appearances with the O's before being sent to the minors last month. He has a bloated 13.50 ERA over five appearances with the Tides.

Orioles designated RHP Cla Meredith for assignment.

Meredith was optioned to the minor leagues at the end of May after posting an 0-2 record, a 5.40 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP in 15 innings for the O's. He may draw some interest from reliever-desperate clubs.

Orioles optioned RHP Cla Meredith to Triple-A Norfolk.

Meredith drew the short straw as the O's needed a spot for Saturday's starter, Chris Tillman. He certainly wasn't the worst component of the Orioles' bullpen but his 0-2 record with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP didn't exactly make him a lock to keep his spot.