WASHINGTON -- In an effort to protect some of their Minor Leaguers from the Rule 5 Draft, the Nationals outrighted first baseman Dmitri Young to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday afternoon.

Young, who did not elect to become a free agent, has one year left on his $10 million contract. Washington's 40-man roster now stands at 35.

Young is coming off a season in which he played in only 50 games -- all in the first half -- for Washington and hit .280 with four home runs and 10 RBIs. He missed time in the first half because of back problems. After the All-Star break, Young participated in the team's workouts and said his back was 100 percent, but he couldn't play because he felt lightheaded and his diabetes wasn't under control.

Young was activated from the disabled list on Sept. 7, but he didn't play an inning because of a left hip injury. He hurt the hip during a rehab assignment with Class A Vermont.

Add the fact that first baseman Nick Johnson has a history of injuries, the Nationals are now looking to acquire a first baseman this winter.

"Dmitri is doing well," general manager Jim Bowden said in an e-mail. "This is just an administrative move to open a roster spot for protecting prospects and trades."

It was revealed by MLB.com on Sunday night that the Nationals have targeted free agents Adam Dunn and Mark Teixeira, and Brewers slugger Prince Fielder, on the trade market, as possibilities to solve their problems at first base.

In 2007, Young was a feel-good story, winning the Comeback Player of the Year Award after hitting .320 with 13 home runs and 74 RBIs.