 He pitched in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League for the GCL Dodgers, where he accrued a win-loss record of 6-0 and an ERA of 1.58 in 7 starts and 3 relief appearances; he struck out 56 batters in 57 innings.The Los Angeles organization recognized Núñez as their top minor league pitcher for the month of July.On August 31, 2006, he was acquired by the Washington Nationals for veteran utility player Marlon Anderson.