The Nationals released Kobernus on Tuesday.

Just a few days after optioning him to Triple-A, the organization apparently decided he wasn't in their long-term plans and elected to give Kobernus a chance to catch on with another club this spring.

Kobernus was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Kobernus came into camp competing for a spot on the big league roster, and while he could still earn a promotion at some point early in the year, he'll start back in Triple-A. In 59 games with Syracuse last season, the 26-year-old slashed .257/.338/.359 with 15 steals in 18 attempts.

Kobernus was recalled by the Nationals on Friday.

The speedy utility player is capable of playing second base and the outfield, and gives the Nationals 32 active players on the roster. In 59 games with Triple-A Syracuse, Kobernus hit .257 with 15 steals and could be a useful piece off the bench for the Nationals down the stretch.

Nationals activated INF/OF Jeff Kobernus from the 60-day disabled list; optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse.

Kobernus is recovered from a fractured left hand but will provide depth in the minors rather than join the big club. He's hit .246/.352/.311 over 17 games at Syracuse this season.

Nationals recalled OF Jeff Kobernus from Triple-A Syracuse; placed him on the 60-day disabled list with a fractured left hand.

The Nats needed to make a move to clear room on their 40-man roster. Kobernus fractured his hand last Monday at Syracuse when he was hit by a pitch.

Jeff Kobernus was struck by a pitch on the left hand Monday at Triple-A Syracuse and suffered a fracture.

Kobernus is likely to miss a couple of months. He was in the running for a bench spot this spring in Nationals camp but batted just .216/.293/.270 in 20 games.

Nationals optioned OF Jeff Kobernus to Triple-A Syracuse and C Sandy Leon to Double-A Harrisburg.

Kobernus failed in his quest to earn a bench job this spring, batting .229/.308/.286 in 35 at-bats. The 25-year-old made his major league debut with the club in 2013, and he'll likely be one of the first outfielders recalled if needed this summer.

Nationals recalled INF/OF Jeff Kobernus from Triple-A Syracuse.

The 25-year-old Kobernus provides the Nationals with versatility on the bench with his ability to play up to six different positions. Kobernus slashed just .174/.321/.304 in 15 games over the summer with the Nationals, but he's a deep NL-only speed sleeper who has stolen 42 bases or more in three straight minor league seasons.

Nationals optioned INF/OF Jeff Kobernus to Triple-A Syracuse.

Kobernus batted just .174/.321/.304 in 15 games with the Nationals. The 25-year-old utilityman will continue to provide depth in the minors.

Nationals recalled INF Jeff Kobernus from Triple-A Syracuse.

The 24-year-old Kobernus is off to a great start, hitting .333/.378/.420 with a homer, 20 RBI and 21 steals through his first 43 games at Syracuse. He also provides the Nationals with versatility on the bench with his ability to play up to six different positions. He could be worth a look for those in need of speed in deep NL-only formats.

Jeff Kobernus is noticeably absent from the starting lineup for Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, prompting speculation that he'll be recalled by the Nationals on Saturday.

The Nationals are currently carrying eight relievers and have only three healthy players on the bench, so they plan to demote a reliever after Friday's game. The 24-year-old Kobernus is hitting .333/.378/.420 with a homer, 20 RBI and 21 steals through his first 43 games at Syracuse, and could be worth a look for those in need of speed in deep NL-only formats.

Tigers returned Rule 5 pick INF Jeff Kobernus to the Nationals.

Kobernus failed to win a spot on the Tigers' Opening Day roster as a backup infielder. He'll return to the Nationals after going unclaimed on waivers and should open 2013 at Triple-A Syracuse.

Rule 5 pick Jeff Kobernus went 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot Friday against the Mets.

That's the good news. The bad is that he was picked off first once and committed an error at second base. Kobernus is in the running for a spot on the Detroit bench as a backup infielder and perhaps a left fielder against left-handers. It's doubtful that he'd have any fantasy value.

The Tigers will give Rule 5 pick Jeff Kobernus work in the outfield during camp.

Manager Jim Leyland said it's possible Kobernus could be used in left field against left-handed pitching. The 24-year-old has played only the middle infield during his four minor league seasons, but increasing his versatility will give him a better shot at sticking with the big club.