Tyler Moore, Blake Treinen, Aaron Barrett among additions to Nationals’ expanded roster

Six familiar faces met the Washington Nationals in Los Angeles on Monday, when major league teams were allowed to expand their rosters in time for a final postseason push.

First baseman/oufielder Tyler Moore, catcher Sandy Leon and pitchers Blake Treinen, Aaron Barrett and Xavier Cedeno were all re-called from Triple-A Syracuse before the Nationals opened a three-game series against the Dodgers. Outfielder Steven Souza, who had been on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, also rejoined the team. 

Moore was a key player off the bench during Washington’s run to the National League East title in 2012, and he will hope to have a similar effect this season in his third stint of the year with the big league club. The 27-year-old hit .265 at Triple-A this season with 44 RBI and will add another powerful right-handed bat for manager Matt Williams to call upon off the bench.

Leon was promoted instead of Syracuse teammate Jhonatan Solano, who has also alternated between the minors and big leagues over the past few years. Leon, 25, will serve as the third catcher behind Wilson Ramos and Jose Lobaton. The switch-hitter batted .229 for Syracuse with five homers and 25 RBI. 

Barrett, Cedeno and Treinen will help fortify Washington’s bullpen. All three have spent time with the big-league team at some point this season.

Barrett began the year on the 25-man roster and is 3-0 with a 3.21 ERA in 40 major league games this season. Treinen, another right-hander, has worked as both a reliever and starter for the Nationals this year. Cedeno is a situational left-hander who made his first appearance with Washington in 2013.

Souza, 25, rejoins the active roster after missing 20 games with a left shoulder contusion. Last week, he was named the MVP of the International League after helping the Syracuse Chiefs clinch their first division title since 1989.

With Monday’s six additions, the Nationals now have 31 players on their active roster. Under league rules, however, they can now call up any of the nine other players on their active roster. 

Despite his struggles at Triple-A this season, Ryan Mattheus has significant major league experience and could rejoin the team in the bullpen at some point. Michael Taylor, who was only recently optioned to Syracuse after showing positives signs in his first major league stint, could also be recalled in the near future.