The Rangers have continued stockpiling veterans to ensure they can hold off a patented late-season charge by the Angels.
Texas sent two minor league pitchers to Washington for infielder Cristian Guzman, MLB.com reports. He will fill in at second base for the injured Ian Kinsler. Guzman could have rejected the trade, but agreed to play for the AL West-leading Rangers and will likely start Saturday night against those rival Angels.
The Rangers already have added pitcher Cliff Lee, catcher Bengie Molina and infielder Jorge Cantu.
Guzman, who hasn’t started for three straight games, owns a .282 average and .327 on-base percentage. The switch-hitting 32-year-old also has 44 runs and 25 RBIs.
In return, the Nationals receive two pitching prospects; Ryan Tatusko and Tanner Roark. Tatusko has gone 9-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 13 starts and 11 relief appearances for Double-A Frisco. In 100 innings, the 6-foot-5 Tatusko has given up only two home runs.
Roark, who has also been with Double-A Frisco, will be joining Tatusko in the Washington farm system. Roark is 10-5 with a 4.20 ERA in 17 starts this season.
