 On February 21 , 2013 , Young signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals and an invitation to training camp . On March 26 , 2013 he was granted his unconditional release by the Nationals after opting out of his contract . He was re @-@ signed by the Nationals on April 4 , 2013 . He was then assigned to Triple @-@ A Syracuse . He made his season debut on April 23 against Rochester , giving up 6 runs in 4 @.@ 2 innings . He made 6 additional starts before going on the disabled list with a neck injury on May 28 , 2 days after leaving a start against Columbus after the first inning . He made 2 starts at the end of the year in the Gulf Coast League and with Short @-@ Season Auburn before the end of the injury @-@ marred season . In 9 total starts , he went 1 – 2 with a 6 @.@ 81 ERA , striking out 21 in 37 innings . After experiencing pain in his shoulder and neck , he had surgery to repair what was diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome . This condition is a nerve problem that puts pressure on a pitcher ’ s shoulder . On November 19 , 2013 , Young re @-@ signed with the Nationals on a minor league deal . He was released on March 25 , 2014 . 
