Julian Fernández: Everything you need to know

The Nationals optioned Fernandez to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday. Fernandez has appeared in three games since getting called up to Washington on Monday, allowing three earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three batters over four innings. The 30-year-old reliever will now head back to the minors, where he owns a 4.70 ERA through 7.2 frames, though he could be invited back to the big leagues later in the year if/when the Nationals need bullpen help.

The Nationals recalled Fernandez from Triple-A Rochester on Monday. He'll be taking the spot in the bullpen previously occupied by lefty Andrew Alvarez, who was optioned to Rochester after tossing 4.1 innings of long relief in Sunday's 3-0 win over the Giants. Fernandez, 30, had posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 7.2 innings with the Triple-A club this season and is likely to be ticketed for low-leverage work while he's up with Washington.

The Nationals optioned Fernandez to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday. The right-hander closed last season in Washington's bullpen after being claimed off waivers from the Dodgers in August, making three appearances during the final week of the season. Fernandez was unable to secure a place on the Opening Day roster after he surrendered five runs with a 5:3 K:BB over five innings during spring training.