Nationals Call Up Greg Dobbs, Option Sandy Leon

Mar 9, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman

(29) puts the ball in play against the Detroit Tigers at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Less than a week after signing Greg Dobbs to a minor league contract, the Washington Nationals added the veteran first baseman to their 25-man roster and optioned catcher Sandy Leon to Triple-A Syracuse.

Dobbs, 35, last played in the big leagues on April 29 as a member of the Miami Marlins, who designated him for assignment after he started the season 1 for 13 with the bat. In his career, Dobbs has a .262 batting average in parts of 11 seasons with the Mariners, Phillies and Marlins.

With Dobbs on the big league roster, the Nationals can platoon him with Tyler Moore at first base while Adam LaRoche is on the disabled list. Dobbs also gives the Nationals an experienced left-handed bat off the bench.

Here is what general manager Mike Rizzo had to say about Dobbs when the Nationals signed him on Monday, via Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post:

"“We’re going to see where he’s at, as far as ready to play,” Rizzo said. “He hasn’t played in a long time. We’re going to see where he’s at, and how close he is to playing in the big leagues, and we’ll take it from there. He’s a professional, left-handed bat off the bench and can play a couple different positions in the field. But we really haven’t made any decisions about when, where and why what we’re going to do with him.”"

In another corresponding move, the Nationals placed minor league outfielder Eury Perez on the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster.