The Washington Nationals are targeting a right-handed hitting corner infielder, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal notes third baseman Ryan Zimmerman’s continuing shoulder issues could increase Washington’s efforts to add a bat, and that John Lannan has improved his trade value of late.
The Nationals were hoping veteran utility man Mark DeRosa could fill the role of right-handed-hitting corner infielder, though he’s dealt with injury and decline this season as a 37-year-old.
Washington faces two problems in their search, according to Rosenthal. There are not that many hitters available at this time, and the Nationals are afraid that they won’t be able to create enough at-bats for whoever they acquire.
Rosenthal also touched on one of the Nationals potential trade chips, left-handed starting pitcher John Lannan. The 27-year-old got off to a rough start this season following his demotion to Triple-A, but he has rebounded of late. Over his 14 starts this season, Lannan has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.66 and 1.494.