ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Red Sox have tabbed outfielder Steve Selsky as the 25th man, manager John Farrell announced just prior to the team’s final exhibition game on Saturday against the Nationals.

The Red Sox also announced they had optioned infielder Marco Hernandez to Triple A Pawtucket.

It was thought that Hernandez, who had a superb spring, might make the roster, but Farrell indicated there were two factors that led the Sox to choose Selsky, who was a waiver pickup from the Reds.

“He gives us some balance on the bench [because he’s righthanded, while Hernandez is lefthanded], the ability to play first base was a major component for the decision,’’ said Farrell. “It’s clear that our roster is going to be in a state of flux for the first two weeks of the season for a number of different reasons.’’

Farrell added that “Selsky’s righthanded bat, some power, his ability to play all three outfield positions, and first base were all factors. For a waiver claim, he has been everything and more of what we could have hoped for. It’s a young guy, durable, athletic, and bat-to-ball ability is there. The fact we were able to acquire him, we got a very good player on a waiver claim.’’

Encouraging sign

David Price continued his throwing program on Saturday, long tossing from 90 feet. Farrell said he’s on a “two on and one off’’ schedule. “The next two days of the sequence we’re hopeful to add some distance to the throws. Overall, a positive day for David,’’ Farrell said . . . First base coach Ruben Amaro Jr. was not with the team after the death of his father, Ruben Amaro, Sr. . . . Eduardo Rodriguez had a brutal first inning, allowing three walks and two runs, but he settled in and dominated the Nationals over the next two innings in what ended a 4-4 tie. “That first inning the weather got me a little bit,’’ he said. “It was the first time I’d pitched in this weather for a while. I had to get used to it. My shoulder and body felt a little bit weird with the weather, but I came back. That’s why I liked to pitch here because now I go to Boston and I think the weather will be like it was here.’’ . . . Andrew Benintendi had two hits and a walk for the Red Sox. Christian Vazquez also had two hits . . . Robbie Ross Jr. was touched for three hits and a run in one-third of an inning.