The Phillies announced that they have signed outfielder Roger Bernadina, who was released by the Nationals on Monday, to a Major League contract. In order to clear a spot on the 25-man roster, the team has optioned infielder Michael Martinez to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. We heard earlier today that Bernadina had officially cleared release waivers and expected to sign with a new team shortly.
Bernadina, 29, was released after the Nats acquired David DeJesus from the Cubs. In 167 plate appearances this season, the Curacao native batted .178/.247/.270. Those numbers represent a sharp drop-off from the .252/.320/.373 career batting line that Bernadina carried into the 2013 campaign. He's capable of playing all three outfield positions, though advanced defensive metrics peg him as a below-average center fielder.
Bernadina, a client of Lapa/Leventhal, can be controlled through the 2015 season as an arbitration-eligible player, should he impress the Phillies in the final weeks of the season.
