Nationals' Mason Thompson: Optioned to Rochester

Washington optioned Thompson to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday.

This move clears out a 28-man roster spot for Jackson Rutledge, who is making his major-league debut in a start Wednesday at Pittsburgh. Thompson, 25, has struggled to a 5.50 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 44:22 K:BB in 54 innings of relief this season with the Nationals.