VIERA, Fla. — John Patterson was released by the Washington Nationals today, a little more than a week before the team's opening game.

It was a surprising move, given that Patterson was Washington's opening day starter last year, and was thought to be in the running for the honor again.

Patterson was limited to 15 starts total in 2006 and 2007 because of a sore right forearm. He went 1-5 with a 7.47 ERA last season.

In his last spring start for the Nationals last Sunday, he allowed six runs and eight hits in four innings.