According to Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post, former Washington Nationals pitcher Brian Bruney cleared waivers earlier this week, but will refuse his assignment to the Minor Leagues. Kilgore adds that Bruney believes he is a Major League pitcher and he doesn’t want to start over by accepting an assignment to the Minor Leagues.

The Nationals have about a week to trade the reliever or give his his outright release, at which the time Nationals will be responsible for his contract until he signs with another team. He signed for a $1.5 million one-year contract after winning an arbitration hearing.

In 2010, Bruney allowed 20 walks, 21 hits in 17 2/3 innings with a 7.64 ERA.