The Nationals optioned den Dekker to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old outfielder was in competition for one of the last spots on the roster but will be headed to Syracuse to start the season. He could return to the majors at some point during the year but den Dekker is not likely to see major playing time for the Nationals in 2016. Den Dekker batted .300/.370/.450 with 4 RBI in 40 at-bats during spring training.

Den Dekker got the start in center field Saturday and went 2-for-4 with two runs scored.

EDGE Analysis

He's now hitting a respectable .286/.350/.429 in 35 spring at-bats, and den Dekker remains in competition for the final spot on the Nationals' bench with Reed Johnson, Brendan Ryan and others. His speed and defensive chops in the outfield could give him an advantage, but with Michael Taylor offering the same qualities as the team's fourth outfielder, they may look in another direction and send den Dekker back to Triple-A.

den Dekker went 3-for-4 with a homer, two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored in a 5-1 victory over the Reds on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old's bat has suddenly exploded over the last two games, during which he has hit a ridiculous .875 (7-for-8) with three doubles, two homers, three RBI and five runs scored. Although he has been used sparingly this season, den Dekker is receiving his most extensive playing time in September, and figures to finish out the Nationals' remaining games as part of the starting lineup.

Den Dekker was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, James Wagner of the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Den Dekker has moved around the league this season, but may have finally settled in with his last club this year. He'll now join the Nationals, but is unlikely to see action on a consistent basis.

Den Dekker is in the lineup Saturday against Baltimore, batting ninth. Den Dekker is making his first start since June 28, when he went 1-for-4 against Philadelphia. He'll face right-hander Miguel Gonzalez; Den Dekker is batting just .200 against righties on the season.

den Dekker was 1-for-4 with a two-run home run against the Phillies on Friday night. With the Nationals outfield banged up - both Denard Span and Bryce Harper were out of the lineup - he got the call from Triple-A and contributed his first homer of the season. His numbers with Syracuse were nothing to get excited over, and when the outfield is healthy, he is likely ticketed back there until another need arises.

Den Dekker was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, Dan Kolko of MASN reports. With Jordan Zimmerman landing on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, the Nationals selected den Dekker to join the big league club. Den Dekker has struggled at Triple-A this season with a .234 average with 40 strikeouts over 175 at-bats. He will not be in the Nationals' lineup Thursday.

Den Dekker was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, MLB.com reports. Den Dekker was brought up by the Nationals as the 26th man for Tuesday's doubleheader, but with five other outfielders already on the roster, his services weren't in need any longer.

Den Dekker will serve as the 26th man for Tuesday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports. As the designated 26th man for the twin bill, den Dekker will be forced to head right back down to Triple-A Syracuse before Wednesday's game. The 27-year-old is batting just .230/.299/.289 with seven extra-base hits (one home runs) in 168 plate appearances with Syracuse so far this season.

The Nationals optioned den Dekker to Triple-A Syracuse Monday. Den Dekker made the Nationals' Opening Day roster, but he will head to Syracuse to open up a roster spot for fellow outfielder Jayson Werth. Den Dekker could return to Washington later this summer, but it would take a number of developments for him to see regular playing time given the Nationals' depth in the outfield.