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The Washington Nationals have acquired starter Doug Fister from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for infielder Steve Lombardozzi and left-handers Robbie Ray and Ian Krol, a source has confirmed. The deal has since been announced by the team.
Fister, who turns 30 in February, was 14-9 with a 3.67 ERA in 33 appearances with the Tigers in 2013. Detroit originally seemd more interested in moving Max Scherzer, but their trade of Prince Fielder to the Rangers likely freed up enough financial space for a potential extension for the Cy Young winner in the near future.
The Nationals have been looking to acquire starting pitching all offseason, and have been linked to names like Scherzer and David Price. Fister will join a rotation that already includes Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann and Tanner Roark, replacing Dan Haren, who signed with the Dodgers.
Lombardozzi, 25, appeared in 118 games at the major league level last season, hitting .259 with 2 HR and 22 RBI. He saw time at second base, left field and third base, and will provide utility depth for the Tigers next season. The former 19th round pick is under team control through the 2017 season.
Ray, 22, was 11-5 with a 3.36 ERA in 27 starts split between High-A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg last season. The 2010 12th round pick was ranked by Baseball America as the organization's 18th best prospect after the 2012 season.
Krol, 22, pitched out of the Nationals' bullpen in 2013, earning a 2-1 record and 3.95 ERA in 32 appearances. The former seventh round pick was acquired by the Nationals in the Michael Morse trade, and was ranked as Oakland's 31st best prospect this time last year.
