BREAKING: Nationals Claim Asdrubal Cabrera After Rangers Released Him
By Michael Luciano
Former Texas Rangers infielder Asdrubal Cabrera did not have to wait long to find another team that was intrigued by his blend of switch-hitting power and defense.
Cabrera, who was released by the Rangers after being designated for assignment, has been claimed by the Washington Nationals.
The 33-year-old Cabrera hit .235 with 12 home runs for the Rangers while serving as the team's primary third baseman. While he's a far cry from the player that made two All-Star teams during his glory days on the Cleveland Indians, he's proven he can still be a productive bat off of the bench.
The Nats' infield is pretty set with Anthony Rendon at third, Trea Turner at short, and Ryan Zimmermann at first. However, Cabrera could earn plenty of at-bats at second base as Brian Dozier, who is hitting .242 with 16 home runs, fails to find a groove.
He wasn't tearing the cover off of the ball, but Cabrera's release was still surprising. Expect him to contribute in a division he's very familiar with.