Gerardo

Parra

Parra signed a minor league deal with the Nationals back in March but did not appear in a game at Triple-A Rochester. The 35-year-old hit .275/.322/.403 with 90 home runs, 532 RBI and 97 stolen bases over 1519 games during his big league career -- playing for the Diamondbacks, Brewers, Orioles, Rockies, Giants and Nationals across 12 major league seasons.

Barrera appeared in 30 games last year for the Nationals and will open the regular season as extra catching depth in the upper minors. It looked like there was a pathway for Parra to make Washington’s Opening Day roster, but he’ll head to Triple-A Rochester instead.

Parra appeared in 53 games at the major-league level last year, hitting .237/.292/.351 with two homers and one steal in 107 plate appearances. The 34-year-old veteran outfielder is vying for a bench spot with the Nationals this spring, but could wind up at Triple-A Rochester as extra outfield depth to open the 2022 season.

Parra has appeared in just 51 games at the major-league level this season, hitting .232/.288/.347 with two homers and one steal across 105 plate appearances. The 34-year-old outfielder will give the Nationals some additional outfield depth as they wrap up the 2021 campaign.

No corresponding move is needed, as Josh Rogers will simply remain with the Nationals after being recalled for Saturday’s doubleheader. Parra underwent surgery on his right knee last season and it has reportedly been bothering him of late. No timetable is currently known for a return.

Robles had to be lifted from Sunday’s game after being hit on the back of the right knee by a pitch. He’s feeling better than expected and could be available off the bench. Gerardo Parra will handle center field.

Get excited to hear Baby Shark all over again, folks. Parra will get his chance to play in the majors for the first time since 2019 when he was a key cog on the Washington bench; helping the Nationals win a World Series title. He won’t have any fantasy relevance in his bench role, but, it’s still fun. Ben Braymer was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Of the 10 reassignments, the only surprise is Parra, who looked like he might’ve had a shot to break camp on the big-league roster as a reserve outfielder. Yet, the Nationals decided to go with versatile utilityman Hernan Perez instead.

Parra has been playing in B-games as the Nationals eased him into action following right knee surgery during the offseason. The 33-year-old fan favorite returned to Washington on a minor league deal in February and hopes to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster as a reserve outfielder.

Parra required surgery on his right knee over the offseason and was limited in the early part of spring training, but he now appears to be nearing his official Grapefruit League debut. The veteran outfielder signed a minor league contract with the Nats in early February and is gunning for a spot on the Opening Day roster.