Nats officially add Cabrera to roster, drop Barraclough (Nats lead 5-1)

SAN FRANCISCO - It's been five years, and only a few of the faces remain the same, but that didn't diminish the smile on Asdrúbal Cabrera's face today as he looked around the visitors' clubhouse at Oracle Park and realized he was playing for the Nationals again.

"I played here in 2014, and I had fun here," the veteran infielder said. "Good group of guys. Now they have a new staff. I'm happy to be back and be part of the Nationals."

Released by the Rangers over the weekend and signed by the Nationals for the league minimum on Monday, Cabrera arrived in San Francisco today and officially rejoined the organization that previously acquired him on July 31, 2014 and made him their everyday second baseman through the rest of that pennant race and the National League Division Series.

The circumstances are far different this time around. The Nationals have no vacancies in their everyday lineup. But they did need more experienced help on their bench, especially with Ryan Zimmerman and Howie Kendrick on the injured list.

Cabrera, primarily a shortstop throughout his career, has now expanded to play both second and third bases on a regular basis. And given the Nats' current needs, it was little surprise to see the 33-year-old getting a lesson at first base today from infield coach Tim Bogar.

"I want him to get comfortable over there," manager Davey Martinez said. "I'm not just going to throw him in there. But I think he can do it. He's got really good hands, his footwork. He's going to work with Bogey and see if we can get him going over there."

Cabrera insisted he's ready and willing to give it a shot.

"This is new for me, but I play short, third and second base before," he said. "I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and prepare myself to do the best on the field."

After hitting .235 with 12 homers and 51 RBIs in 93 games for a Rangers club that has fallen out of contention, the idea of stepping right into a pennant race with the Nationals is especially appealing for Cabrera.

"There's nothing better than to be part of the team that plays for the playoffs," he said. "And I think this team has got the opportunity to be there this year."

The Nationals needed to make two corresponding roster moves along with Cabrera's signing. To clear a spot on the active roster, they optioned infielder Adrián Sanchez to Double-A Harrisburg. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, they designated reliever Kyle Barraclough for assignment, a somewhat surprising concession from the club only 10 months after he was acquired from the Marlins.

Barraclough was supposed to hold a prominent role in the Nationals bullpen, but he struggled early and never found his groove. He finished with a 6.66 ERA and 1.753 WHIP in 33 appearances while allowing 11-of-13 inherited runners to score off him.

Optioned to Harrisburg last week after he gave up a towering home run to the Dodgers' Justin Turner in his first big league appearance in more than a month, Barraclough now enters roster limbo. If he clears waivers and is outrighted to one of the club's minor league affiliates, the right-hander would remain with the organization, which still controls his rights through the 2021 season.

But given his prior success with the Marlins and long-term club control, it wouldn't be surprising if another teams claims the 29-year-old off waivers.

"It wasn't easy," Martinez said. "We needed a spot. That's it. I wish Bear the best. I don't know what's going to happen. It just didn't work out here in this moment."

Update: The Nationals jumped on Giants starter Conner Menez in the top of the first, with four of their first six batters reaching base. And yet they only scored one run out of it, because they gave away two outs. After Trea Turner drew a leadoff walk, Gerardo Parra popped up a bunt attempt. Turner then got picked off. Fortunately, the guys behind them got the job done, with Kurt Suzuki eventually delivering an opposite-field RBI single to get the Nats on the board. And then Suzuki and Co. made the most of another scoring opportunity in the top of the third. His monster, two-run homer to left capped a three-run rally and put the Nationals on top 4-0. The Giants got one back in the bottom of the inning, thanks to Aníbal Sánchez's errant pickoff throw. But that's been Sánchez's only mistake through three otherwise sparkling innings.

Update II: Turner has had a chance to lead off three innings already tonight: the first, third and fifth. He walked in each of his first two plate appearances. He did not walk in his third. He crushed a ball down the left field line for his 10th homer of the season and 500th hit of his career. The Nationals lead 5-1, and Sánchez is cruising on the mound, having thrown only 65 pitches.