Veteran outfielder Mike Cameron, who signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals in December, has chosen to retire, according to the organization. Via the official twitter feed of the Nationals:

OF Mike Cameron has notified the Nationals he will retire, bringing his impressive career to an end...Spring Training roster now at 54.

— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) February 19, 2012

The 39-year-old Cameron played 17 season in the big leagues, and was expected to compete for a spot in the outfield this season, along with Rick Ankiel and Roger Bernadina. His retirement leaves the Nationals' center field position in flux to begin spring training, as Cameron could have served as a platoon or fourth outfielder role for the club. Ankiel and Bernadina could split time in center field, but if Bryce Harper were to make the club out of camp, he could play right field with Jayson Werth taking over in center.

We'll have much more on Spring Training here at SB Nation DC in the coming weeks. In the meantime, check out SB Nation's Nationals blog, Federal Baseball, for more news and notes. And don't forget to visit Baseball Nation, the MLB hub of SB Nation for information from around the league.