The Dodgers have acquired second baseman Ronnie Belliard from the Nationals in exchange for minor league pitcher Luis Garcia and a player to be named later, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark is reporting.
"He gives us some offense," manager Joe Torre said. "He can play around the infield, probably all positions but shortstop. It gives me the ability to spell these guys. He gives us a little more depth with experience coming off the bench."
Belliard is hitting a disappointing .247 with 5 home runs this season, but is hitting .367 in August with a .406 on-base percentage and 3 home runs. The Dodgers hope that Belliard's versatility - he can play first, second, and third - will allow manager Joe Torre to rest James Loney, Orlando Hudson, and Casey Blake.
"Now I have a chance to win another one," Belliard said. "I helped the Cardinals in 2006 with my defense and some lucky hits that I got in the playoffs. Hopefully I can do that in LA. That's why they traded for me."
Garcia, 22, is 5-3 with a 2.54 ERA in 31 relief appearances this season.