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The Washington Nationals were rumored to be interested in adding middle infield and catching depth at last week's Non-Waiver Trade Deadline, but they were unable to find the deals they were looking for before the deadline passed. The Nats made a post-deadline deal with the Oakland A's late last week to bring catcher Kurt Suzuki to D.C. and according to reports this afternoon they were able to find the middle infield depth they were looking for on the waiver wire. Washington Post writer Adam Kilgore was first with the news:
The Nats have acquired Cesar Izturis from the Brewers, a source says. Mark DeRosa fighting a groin injury. Nats needed middle infield help.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) August 6, 2012
NatsInsider.com's Mark Zuckerman then reported that it was a waiver claim:
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) August 6, 2012
#Nats source confirms acquisition of Cesar Izturis from#Brewers, 1st reported by@adamkilgorewp. It's a straight waiver claim, not trade.
The Washington Nationals have since confirmed the deal via Twitter while also announcing the corresponding roster move:
The Nationals today claimed SS Cesar Izturis off waivers from MIL. To make room, Mark DeRosa to 15-Day DL and Atahualpa Severino was DFA’d.
— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) August 6, 2012
In 57 games and 169 plate appearances so far this season, the 32-year-old Izturis has a .235/.248/.333 line with six doubles, two triples and two home runs. DeRosa has played in just 34 games this season, in which the 37-year-old IF/OF has a .152/.288/.212 line with four doubles in 81 PA's.