Infielder Yunel Escobar is heading to the Nationals and All-Star reliever Tyler Clippard is going to the Athletics, thanks to the ninth deal between those clubs in a little more than four years. The swap gives Washington a player who could solve its search for a starting second baseman. Escobar could play shortstop for the Nationals if they wind up trading away, or fail to agree to a new contract with Ian Desmond, who can become a free agent after next season. The A's just picked up Escobar from Tampa Bay, along with Ben Zobrist, in a trade that sent catcher John Jaso and two minor leaguers to the Rays. Clippard took to Twitter in the wake of the deal being announced.
Get Your Very Own MLB Team Specific Playing Cards: just click here