Montoya traded; bad break for Yepez

The Wild Things were busy Wednesday clearing room on the roster for the potential signing of experienced players after the close of minor-league spring training later this month. Washington made two moves, trading pitcher Jhonny Montoya and placing outfielder Mario Yepez on the 60-day disabled list.

Montoya, who was used as both a starter and reliever in two seasons with the Wild Things, was dealt to the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic, which is widely considered the highest level of the independent leagues. Washington will receive a player to be named later in exchange for Montoya, a right-hander who has a 7-10 career record.

Montoya made 20 starts in 2011 and had a 4-7 record with a 3.76 ERA. Last year, Montoya was slowed by an injury early int he season and spent some time on the disabled list. He returned to pitch in 23 games (six starts) and post a 3-3 record with a 3.91 ERA. A hard thrower, Montoya struck out 149 batters in 179 innings over the two seasons.

"I am excited to see Jhonny Montoya get an opportunity on a higher level," Wild Things manager Chris Bando said. "He has a power arm that has earned him the opportunity before him."

Yepez, 24, was signed by Washington this offseason after playing six seasons in the Seattle Mariners' organization. After playing five games at Class AA and six at Class AAA last year, Yepez was expected to be an impact player. However, the Venezuela native recently fractured an ankle, an injury that is expected to require four or five months of rehabilitation.

With Montoya, Yepez and center fielder Darian Sandford apparently off the active roster, Washington has 11 players classified as Experienced -- the equivalent of more than one year of professional experience -- which is two under the Frontier League limit. The Wild Things will likely be looking to add an experienced outfielder or two next month.

D'Alessandro to Lancaster

Joe D'Alessandro, who pitched in 20 games (3-2, 2.52, 4 saves) last year for the Wild Things will attend spring training with Lancaster of the independent Atlantic League. He is one of four "non-roster" players with the Barnstormers. Among the others is former Wild Things pitcher Tom Cochran, who had a brief stint in the Cincinnati Reds' minro-league camp this spring.

D'Alessandro has a standing offer to return to the Wild Things this year but had been working the Atlantic League tryout circuit.

There's still a good chance D'Alessandro could end up back in Washington. The Atlantic League is loaded with former major leaguers, and Triple-A and Double-A guys. D'Alessandro has pitched only 55 innings the last three years and none above the low-Class A level, so the odds are stacked against him making the Barnstormers' opening day roster.