Washington Nationals option IF/OF Jeff Kobernus to Triple-A Syracuse

A fractured left hand limited Jeff Kobernus to just 73 games total last season, 59 of them played at Triple-A Syracuse, where the 26-year-old, infielder/outfielder put up a .257/.338/.359 line with 13 doubles, two home runs and 15 stolen bases in 235 plate appearances.

Kobernus was called up to the majors at the end of his sixth season in the organization last September, finishing the year with eight plate appearances for the Nationals. Washington's '09 2nd Round pick out of the University of California at Berkeley was 2 for 15 this Spring before the Nats announced on Twitter this morning that he was being optioned to Triple-A.

#Nats option INF/OF Jeff Kobernus to AAA. RHP Erik Davis remains on MLB camp roster but will continue rehab from TJ surgery on Minor Lg side

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 14, 2015

As noted, the Nationals also updated the status of rehabbing reliever Erik Davis, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last April. Davis told reporters this winter that he was well into his rehab after beginning to throw this past August.

"The idea is when we report to camp I should be about ready to start my mound progression," Davis explained. "And in a perfect world I'll be able to leave Florida in late April, early May is the most likely scenario at this point."

Davis said he was making sure to take things slowly so as to avoid any setbacks, while acknowledging that he wants to be able to contribute as soon as he can.

Drew Storen undergoes hamate bone surgery

Photo © Brad Barr/USA TODAY Sports

"I'm not exactly young anymore," Davis said. "I'm 28 years old, I'm trying to get my foot in the door, and I realize that if I were to have a setback it would definitely be detrimental to my career at this point, so I'm just going to trust the system and then go out there and do what I can."

Acquired in a March 2011 trade with San Diego that sent veteran infielder Alberto Gonzalez to the Padres, Davis made his major league debut in 2013 after a solid season at Triple-A Syracuse which saw him save 15 games and post a 3.10 ERA, a 3.28 FIP, 20 walks (3.44 K/9) and 54 Ks (9.29 K/9) in 45 games and 54 ⅓ IP for the Nats' top minor league affiliate.

In 10 games and 8 ⅔ IP for the Nationals that season, Davis put up a 3.12 ERA, a 0.62 FIP, a walk (1.04 BB//9) and 12 Ks (12.46 K/9).