3 players that played for the Braves and Nationals

In each series throughout the season, we will highlight multiple players who wore a Braves jersey and also suited up for Atlanta’s most recent opponent. The Braves are currently in the middle of a four game set against a divisional foe in the Washington Nationals.

Let's take a look back on three players who once called Atlanta and our nations capitol home at some point in their careers. As always, there are always several options we could choose but we typically like to stay on the obscure side and bring back memories you may have forgotten. Eddie Rosario is the newest member to this club, but what about these three?

Rick Ankiel

Rick Ankiel was a player who was converted from a pitcher to an outfielder to revive his major league career. He spent 13 seasons in the big leagues and the majority of that time was with the Cardinals. However, he did see time with the Braves and Nationals.

Ankiel was with the Nationals from 2011-2012 where he hit .236 with 14 homers. In 2010, Ankiel split time with the Royals and Braves. While in Atlanta uniform, he appeared in 47 games hitting .210 with 2 homers. His Braves tenure is most remembered for his extra innings home run against the Giants in game two of the 2010 NLDS.

Jonny Gomes

Jonny Gomes was one of those player who seemed to be a fan favorite no matter where he went. He also played for 13 seasons and spent the majority of his time with the Tampa Bay who were the Devil Rays at the time.

He was with the Nationals for 43 games back in 2011 where he hit .204 with 3 home runs and 12 runs batted in. Gomes also played a role in Atlanta's most recent rebuild in 2015 where he played 83 games in a Braves uniform. Over this stretch, he hit .221 with 7 home runs and 22 RBIs.

C.J. Nitkowski

That's right. The man who sits beside of Brandon Gaudin in the booth every night once played for the Braves and Nationals. C.J. Nitkowski who joined the Braves broadcast team this season spent 10 seasons as a big league pitcher.

Nitkowski was with the Braves for 24 games in 2004 where he went 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 20 innings of relief work. One year later, he was with division rival Washington. In 2005, Nitkowski had a 8.10 ERA after just 7 games and 3.1 innings of work. This turned out to be his last season in the MLB.

Although his playing days did not end the way he would have liked, Braves country is thankful for the insight and entertainment C.J. has brought to the broadcast booth in 2024.

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