Danny Espinosa did a fine job of filling in for the Washington Nationals when Ian Desmond was injured, and he did a good job at his normal spot at second base throughout the season.  However, he battled a shoulder injury toward to end of this past season, and Steve Lombardozzi performed well enough to replace Espinosa if the Nationals choose to trade him.  And it sounds like that trade may be a real possibility.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Nationals could be open to a deal involving Espinosa if they were offered the right package.  Rosenthal thinks the 25-year old infielder could draw some interest from teams in need of a shortstop or a second baseman.



Espinosa was drafted by the Nationals in the third round of the 2008 draft.  He has spent the last three seasons with the club.  In his career, Espinosa has hit .239/.315/.411.  He is pre-arbitration eligible, so the Nationals would have to get something nice in return to part ways with him.  Espinosa is not eligible for arbitration until the 2014 season and won't be a free agent until the 2017 season.

In September, Espinosa had to get a cortisone injection in his shoulder.  He was concerned that he may have a torn rotator cuff or labrum.  However, it turned out to be far less significant an injury than originally thought.  He had a bone bruise, and was able to play through the injury.
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