Patterson is cut by Nationals

John Patterson surprisingly was cut by the Washington Nationals on Thursday, a little more than a week before the season begins.

“I thought things were going well,” the right-hander said.

Patterson was Washington’s opening day starter in 2007. But he missed much of the last two seasons because of right forearm problems, limiting him to 15 starts in 2006 and 2007 combined. He had surgery in September to repair a nerve problem.

He was considered in contention to get the start against the Atlanta Braves on March 30, when the Nationals begin the season at their new ballpark.

--

Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton was hit on the left elbow by a pitch from Cleveland right-hander Paul Byrd in the first inning of an exhibition.

A team spokesman said a preliminary diagnosis was that the outfielder had a triceps contusion. Upton had returned to the team’s training camp in St. Petersburg, Fla., to be examined by an orthopedic physician. “We think he’s going to be fine,” Rays Manager Joe Maddon said.

--

Toronto Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan complained of soreness in his throwing arm and will be held out of games for at least a few days.

Ryan, who pitched in only five games last year before having Tommy John elbow surgery in May, threw his second scoreless inning of the spring on Monday. He later reported minor soreness in his biceps and forearm.

--

Pitcher Adam Wainwright and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a $15-million, four-year contract, a deal that includes two option years and could be worth up to $36 million.