Rodriguez, 28, holds a 5.34 ERA over 38 appearances -- 17 starts -- at the major league level. He's mostly organizational filler at this point.

Rodriguez is now officially off the 40-man roster but will remain part of the Nationals organization for now. The 28-year-old holds a career 5.34 ERA in 123 major league innings.

Rodriguez has allowed 14 earned runs in 15 innings over his last nine appearances dating back to July. The Nationals will have to hope that a stint in the minors will get him back on track. 

While Rodriguez allowed just one hit and struck out two, he also walked three and threw just 32-of-60 pitches for strikes. Command has often been an issue for the 27-year-old, but it's an effective first appearance for the right-hander after having his contract purchased on Saturday. He'll likely be a multi-inning reliever for the Nationals, with the ability to make some spot starts.