Pitcher Joe Ross was sent to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday because the Washington Nationals don’t need a fifth starter until the middle of April.
Sending Ross down opened an extra spot on the bench, which may be handy on Opening Day because of Anthony Rendon’s ailing calf.
Rendon fouled a ball off his left calf March 28. He has not played in a game since. Nationals manager Dusty Baker said Rendon took batting practice Saturday.
The calendar that allowed the temporary departure of Ross and Rendon’s injury have combined to land Wilmer Difo a spot on the Opening Day 25-man roster.