With right-hander Chien-Ming Wang set to be activated to pitch tonight against the New York Mets tonight, the Nationals will have to make a roster move before first pitch.
Outfielder Roger Bernadina was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse prior to first pitch.
Manager Davey Johnson said he was impressed with Bernadina's work in D.C. but believes the outfielder has a few things to work on.
"I have really liked his enthusiasm," Johnson said. "I have really liked his work. He has been working on some things in the outfield. He has been working on being more direct to the ball at home plate. He still is a little bit big at times as a hitter."
Johnson believes a short stop at Triple-A will help Bernadina work on these adjustments.
"A brief stint down in (Syracuse), playing every day is not going to be a setback for him," Johnson said. "It certainly it isn't a demotion, it is out of necessity, keeping the players here in this organization."
"My conversation with him was very positive and I said it just came down to numbers. You don't have to pack your bags until tomorrow. He is well liked here. He understands because I have been playing him every day (except) for the last couple of days."
Bernadina is batting .247 with five home runs, 16 stolen bases and 20 RBIs. He has not started since Tuesday against the Marlins and has hit just .132 (5-for-38) since the All-Star break.
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