The Nationals optioned Barrera to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Barrera's demotion comes after the Nationals had their game Wednesday against the Phillies postponed due to 12 positive COVID-19 cases within the Washington organization. Since Barrera is being optioned rather than placed on the COVID-19 injured list, he seemingly isn't one of the four players who has reportedly tested positive for the virus. Instead, the Nationals' decision to send Barrera back to the minors could signal that one of the team's two injured catchers -- Yan Gomes (oblique) and Alex Avila (calf) -- may be ready to return from the IL when Washington and Philadelphia return to action Thursday with a doubleheader. Barrera had been serving as Washington's No. 1 backstop since the All-Star break, slashing .323/.382/.484 through 10 second-half games.