He's one of 40 minor league players who were released by the club. Sardinas, 27, spent last season between the Nationals' Double- and Triple-A affiliates. He last appeared in the majors in 2018 as a member of the Orioles.

Sardinas has received 500 major-league plate appearances across five seasons but has very little to show for it, hitting just .224/.274/.292. He's played all four infield positions plus left field, giving him multiple routes to the majors, but he'll likely only get called up in an emergency.

Sardinas missed the first three months of the season with back and ankle injuries, and the Orioles opted not to bring him back onto the 40-man roster as he comes off the 60-day disabled list. The 25-year-old played four rehab games with Norfolk and will remain there for the foreseeable future.

Sardinas has already been out for 57 days, so the move likely won't delay his return, as he still doesn't have a clear timetable. He was removed from the 40-man roster in order to make room for Tim Beckham (groin) to be activated from the 60-day disabled list.