 He spent 2011 with Triple-A Syracuse, hitting .234 in 38 games with 1 HR and 12 RBI.He started 2012 with Syracuse, hitting .211 in 21 games with 2 HR and 6 RBI.On May 15, 2012, Maldonado was called up to Washington when backup catcher Sandy León was placed on the 15-day DL.