This morning, the Washington Nationals announced that they selected the contract of fan-favorite Gerardo Parra.

Additionally, the Nationals announced that they optioned infielder Luis García to Triple-A Rochester following Saturday night’s game and the Nationals designated left-handed pitcher Ben Braymer for assignment..

Parra, 34, joins the Nationals after hitting .219 with three doubles, one triple, one homer, 12 RBI, 19 walks and 10 runs scored in 21 games with Triple-A Rochester. A key member of Washington’s 2019 World Series Championship, Parra returned to the Nationals on a Minor League contract with an invitation to 2021 Spring Training.

In 2019, Parra hit .250 with 11 doubles, one triple, eight homers, 42 RBI, 11 walks, six stolen bases and 30 runs scored in 89 games for the Nationals. He hit .373 (19-for-51) with runners in scoring position and led Major League Baseball with a .433 (13-for-30) average with two outs and runners in scoring position.

Parra spent the 2020 season with the Yomiuri Giants of the Japan Professional League. He hit .272 with four doubles, one triple, four homers, 14 RBI and 17 runs scored in 55 games.

A two-time Gold Glove Award winner (2011, 2013), Parra has spent parts of 11 Major League seasons with Washington (2019), San Francisco (2019), Colorado (2016–18), Baltimore (2015), Milwaukee (2014–15) and Arizona (2009–14).

García, 21, hit .222 (4-for-18) with a triple, two walks and three runs scored in 11 games for the Nationals in 2021.