The Nationals optioned Barrera to Triple-A Rochester on Monday, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.
Barrera's demotion sets the stage for top catching prospect Keibert Ruiz to join the Nationals' 26-man roster ahead of Monday's series opener with the Phillies. Ruiz's arrival will leave fewer opportunities to go around for Riley Adams, who had been handling the larger portion of a timeshare behind the plate with Barrera. Over 107 plate appearances with the big club this season, Barrera has hit .264 with two home runs, 10 RBI and eight runs.