Nats trim Bourque, Bonif¨¢cio; roster at 28
WASHINGTON -- The Nationals trimmed their active roster from 30 to 28 players on Thursday¡¯s deadline by optioning right-hander James Bourque to the alternate training site in Fredericksburg, Va., and designating infielder/outfielder Emilio Bonifácio for assignment.
Bourque, Washington¡¯s No. 25 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has pitched in two games out of the bullpen this season. He has issued one hit and one walk in 1 1/3 scoreless innings. The 27-year-old last took the mound on July 28.
Looking at the Nats¡¯ bullpen, right-hander Wander Suero was reinstated from the injured list on Monday, and righty Kyle Finnegan has been strong in his debut season, throwing 1 2/3 clean frames against the Mets on Wednesday.
Bonif¨¢cio brought energy and defensive versatility to the Nats since signing with the team this offseason. He appeared in three games this season -- two as a pinch-runner and one start in left field for Juan Soto, who returned to the lineup on Wednesday. Bonif¨¢cio, 35, inspired the Nationals¡¯ ¡°trumpet¡± celebration.
Washington signed Josh Harrison last week, another high-energy basestealing player who also can man multiple infield/outfield positions. He already has started once in left field and as the designated hitter.
The 28-player roster will stand through the end of the 2020 season, including the playoffs.
Starting pitchers: Patrick Corbin, Aníbal Sánchez, Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Austin Voth
Relievers: Sean Doolittle, Erick Fedde, Kyle Finnegan, Sam Freeman, Javy Guerra, Ryne Harper, Daniel Hudson, Tanner Rainey, Wander Suero
Catchers: Yan Gomes, Kurt Suzuki
Infielders: Asdrúbal Cabrera, Starlin Castro, Wilmer Difo, Josh Harrison, Howie Kendrick, Carter Kieboom, Eric Thames, Trea Turner
Outfielders: Adam Eaton, Victor Robles, Juan Soto, Michael A. Taylor