VIERA, Fla. — Bronson Arroyo decided to sign with the Nationals because Dusty Baker had been hired as Washington’s manager.

“Given the circumstance that I’m in,” Arroyo said. “I needed somebody who was in a position of power to know what I can bring to the table, maybe read between the lines and say, `That’s not exactly what we wanted, but it looks pretty good and I know what it can be.”’

Arroyo, who turned 39 Wednesday, is at spring training with a minor league contract and is competing with 29-year-old Tanner Roark and 22-year-old Joe Ross for a spot at the back of the rotation

Arroyo hasn’t pitched since June 2014 with Arizona, a month after injuring his right elbow.

He had Tommy John that July 15.