ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Catcher Chris Snyder has signed with the Los Angeles Angels on the same day he was released by the Washington Nationals.
Washington released Snyder on Monday, and the Angels signed him shortly afterward to a minor-league contract with an invitation to big league training camp.
Snyder will compete for the Angels' backup job behind Chris Iannetta. He'll report to spring training in Tempe, Ariz., on Tuesday.
Hank Conger was expected to win the job over John Hester and Luke Carlin. Conger has been hitting .417 in spring ball, but has made several recent defensive miscues, worrying manager Mike Scioscia.
The 32-year-old Snyder is a career .225 hitter over nine seasons with Arizona, Pittsburgh and Houston. He signed a minor league deal with Washington after the Astros declined his option for this season.
