WASHINGTON (AP) - The Nationals have acquired infielder Yunel Escobar from the Athletics for All-Star reliever Tyler Clippard.
The teams announced the deal Wednesday.
The A's picked up Escobar from Tampa Bay, along with Ben Zobrist, in a trade Saturday that sent catcher John Jaso and two minor leaguers to the Rays.
Escobar hit .258 with seven homers and 39 RBIs for Tampa Bay last season. He has played eight years in the majors, including with Atlanta and Toronto, mostly at shortstop.
The Nationals have been looking for a starting second baseman, and Escobar started 20 games there in 2007. He also could wind up at shortstop for Washington if it trades - or fails to agree to a new contract with - Ian Desmond.
