Are the Washington Nationals serious about adding one of the New York Yankees' high-profile relievers?

Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post reports that the Yankees were scouting the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse over the weekend, leading to speculation whether there is a “possible match” between the teams.

The Nationals, who might be looking for a ninth-inning option over the volatile Jonathan Papelbon, have been mentioned as one of the suitors should the Yankees move into sell mode and deal Aroldis Chapman or Andrew Miller.

Washington reportedly was one of the clubs pursuing Chapman before the Yankees acquired him in a trade last winter. Chapman will be a free agent next year; Miller has two years remaining on his deal at $9 million each season.

ESPN's Buster Olney last week cited rival evaluators who claim the Nationals, San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers as the clubs who would be most aggressive in pursuit of late-inning relief help as the deadline approaches.