it’s hard out there

In a surprise move, the Washington Nationals have designated Nathaniel Lowe for assignment, which will likely lead to his release. The Mississippi State product would be the eighth Mississippian to be released off a big league roster this season. Seems like a lot. Lowe, 30, a seven-year vet, homered on Wednesday, his first bomb since July 19, but was batting .091 in August and .216 overall, well below what was expected when the Nats got him in an off-season trade with Texas. The lefty-swinging first baseman hit .274 with 78 homers and won a Silver Slugger and a World Series during his four years with the Rangers. Under contract this season for $10.3 million, he might catch on somewhere as a free agent. Also found wanting in MLB this year: Kendall Graveman, Spencer Turnbull, Jacob Waguespack, Hunter Renfroe, Chris Stratton (twice), Tim Anderson and Grae Kessinger. Turnbull and Waguespack were signed by other clubs; the others remain free agents. Blaine Crim was DFA’d and claimed on waivers by another organization; Chuckie Robinson was DFA’d and outrighted to the minors. … On the minor league level, MSU alum R.J. Yeager was released by St. Louis off the Double-A Springfield roster; he was batting .210.