Garcia lands on DL, Rivero outrighted to Triple-A

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals made a couple of roster moves after today's rain-shortened game, placing right-hander Christian Garcia on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm tendon injury and outrighting infielder Carlos Rivero to Triple-A Syracuse. Garcia's DL stint is retroactive to March 22. Rivero had to clear waivers for the Nationals to outright him to Triple-A, and him doing so is a bit of a surprise. The Nats were afraid they'd lose the 24-year-old, but he went unclaimed, allowing the Nats to keep him within their organization. At Syracuse last season, Rivero hit .303 with 10 home runs and 64 RBIs in 126 games. He has been an infielder for his entire career but has also got some time in the outfield this spring. Rivero will remain with the Nats in big league camp for now. He has hit .170 with nine RBIs in 47 at-bats with the Nats this spring. Garcia is still shut down for the time being as he works back from a slightly torn tendon in his forearm. The righty came into camp hoping to compete for a spot on the Nats' 25-man roster, but he felt discomfort in his wrist/forearm area after a throwing session on a cold morning in mid-February, and he hasn't thrown since Feb. 21. I talked to Garcia this morning, and he said he hopes to be cleared to throw in the next week or two. Garcia went back up north to see a hand specialist recently, and the doctor liked what he saw on Garcia's MRI. The plan for now is just to give the 27-year-old, who posted a 2.13 ERA in 13 appearances with the Nats down the stretch last season, more rest to make sure he doesn't re-injure the forearm tendon. The Nats now officially have 31 players in big league camp.