Nationals Option Jeff Kobernus to Triple-A; Sandy Leon to Double-A, 5th Starter To Come

The signing of veteran infielder Kevin Frandsen this afternoon ended any speculation of what the Washington Nationals' roster was going to look like on Opening Day.

After today's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in the next-to-last Grapefruit League game before Saturday's exhibition with Detroit and Monday's season opener in New York the Nats made things official with the following announcement:

The #Nats have optioned INF/OF Jeff Kobernus to Triple-A Syracuse and C Sandy Leon to Double-A Harrisburg.

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 26, 2014

The Nationals announced that Aaron Barrett made the bullpen yesterday. Nats' skipper Matt Williams told reporters that both pitchers in the race for the fifth spot in the rotation (Tanner Roark/Taylor Jordan) will pitch in Washington on Saturday against the Tigers with the winner named after the final game on the spring schedule before the season begins. That is, of course, assuming that Doug Fister's ready for the start of the season.

With the latest announcements, Danny Espinosa, if there was any question, officially became a part of the Opening Day roster.

While Anthony Rendon appears to be the starting second baseman, though there has been no announcement, Espinosa will likely fill the utility role, but after his struggles last season a return to the major league roster is a positive step.

Frandsen, 31, signed with the Nationals a day after he was outrighted by the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

The addition of the seven-year veteran gives the Nationals a bench that includes Espinosa, Nate McLouth, Scott Hairston and Jose Lobaton.

Here's the Nationals' roster for Opening Day, barring any changes and before the decision on the 5th spot in the rotation:

Starting Rotation:

Stephen Strasburg

Gio Gonzalez

Jordan Zimmermann

Doug Fister

Taylor Jordan/Tanner Roark

Catchers:

Wilson Ramos

Jose Lobaton

Relievers:

Rafael Soriano (CL)

Tyler Clippard

Drew Storen

Craig Stammen

Aaron Barrett

Jerry Blevins (L)

Ross Detwiler (L)

Outfielders:

Bryce Harper (LF)

Denard Span (CF)

Jayson Werth (RF)

Nate McLouth (Bench)

Scott Hairston (Bench)

Infield:

Ryan Zimmerman (3B)

Ian Desmond (SS)

Anthony Rendon (2B)

Adam LaRoche (1B)

Kevin Frandsen (Bench)

Danny Espinosa (2B/Bench)

• So as long as Rendon bats second, are we all happy?