WASHINGTON -- As he reflected on his rookie season, Wilmer Difo came away grateful to be on the postseeason roster even after appearing in just 31 games during the regular season. In that short stint in the big leagues, the Nationals came away impressed by Difo as he showed flashes that he belonged in the Majors full-time.
Now Difo, 24, could be in position to assume a larger role next season. The team traded away Danny Espinosa this past weekend, and Stephen Drew remains a free agent, meaning that perhaps Difo will begin the season as the Nats' primary backup middle infielder.