The Detroit Tigers traded pitcher Doug Fister to the Washington Nationals for infielder Steve Lombardozzi and pitchers Robbie Ray and Ian Krol. Fister joins a talented Nationals rotation that includes Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman while Detroit acquires more flexibility with its roster.
"This is an exciting day for the Washington Nationals," General Manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement, via the Washington Post. "We feel we've added a talented, young veteran to our starting pitching corps. Doug is battle-tested through playoff experiences, and the depth he brings to our staff is exceptional. We are thrilled to welcome him aboard."
Fister finished last season with a 14-9 record and 3.67 ERA en route to the Tigers' AL Central championship. The right-hander, who's now under contract in Washington through 2015, adds playoff experience to the young roster.
Lombardozzi, 25, batted .259 last season and had two homers and 22 RBIs. Krol (2-1, 3.95 ERA) provides the Tigers with a left-handed reliever in the bullpen, and Ray is a promising left-handed prospect who finished this past season at Class AA Harrisburg with an 11-5 record and 3.36 ERA, according to The Post.
The acquisition of Washington's three young, inexpensive players gives Detroit more salary room for the upcoming seasons.
"It gives us some flexibility for some other things we want to do," Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski told the Associated Press
Dombrowski denied the trade was done to free up money to sign Max Scherzer to a long-term contract after next season.
