Kip Bouknight knew his road to the major leagues would not be paved with gold, but he didn’t brace for some of the potholes.

Still, the former USC ace said he believes the worst is behind him, and he is excited about playing in the Washington Nationals organization

“Last year was definitely the worst of my career. Not only physically, but mentally,” said Bouknight, who has been stationed in Class AA Harrisburg all year. “It was a long story, what went on. I’m certainly glad to be with the Nationals and glad to have a fresh start.”

That fresh start was supposed to be with the Toronto Blue Jays, who acquired him from the Colorado Rockies in a trade last August. But solid efforts in a handful of late-season games for New Hampshire and Syracuse, followed by a solid showing in winter ball in Venezuela, left the Blue Jays unimpressed.

“My agent called in November and said the Blue Jays had signed six or seven right-handed pitchers,” said Bouknight, originally taken by the Rockies in the 13th round of the 2001 draft.

Bouknight said the Blue Jays invited him, cryptically, to “pursue other options.” But with a six-year contract, there were no legitimate options, at least not for an aspiring major leaguer.

Convinced that he was facing a dead end with the Blue Jays, Bouknight requested and received his release, became a free agent and signed with the Nationals in December.

“My manager sat me down a week ago and flat out told me I’m definitely a guy that can pitch in the big leagues,” said Bouknight, who has started 13 games for the Senators this year but is being used out of the bullpen. “I’ve just got to keep plugging away, get hot and get lucky.”

Noteworthy. The Rangers promoted former Gamecock shortstop Drew Meyer to Class AAA Oklahoma on Friday after almost two full seasons in the Class AA Texas League. ... Through Friday, former Gamecock second baseman Kevin Melillo had hit safely in all 17 games he has played since the Athletics promoted him to Class A Stockton on July 4. ... Former Clemson third baseman Brad McCann, now playing first base for Class A Greensboro, homered twice and drove in five runs in Thursday’s 8-3 win against Greenville.

In four independent Atlantic League games since Monday, Clemson alum Gary Burnham is 10-for-17 for Bridgeport with three homers and seven RBIs. ... Former Gamecock Bryon Jeffcoat was the starting shortstop for the victorious North team and drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk in Tuesday’s Northern League All-Star Game.

Transactions. Former Gamecock pitcher Peter Bauer, released by the Marlins three weeks ago, was acquired by the Astros on Tuesday and assigned to Class AA Corpus Christi in the Texas League. ... Manning native Ned Darley, acquired by Bridgeport on Thursday, pitched a scoreless eighth inning that night in a 6-5 Atlantic League loss at Long Island in his first action of the year. ... Former Gamecock reliever Lee Gronkiewicz has saved three of the four games in which he has appeared for Class AAA Syracuse since the Blue Jays promoted him from New Hampshire on July 14.