The Nationals have purchased the contract of utilityman Steve Lombardozzi from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League, the Crabs announced on Monday. Lombardozzi will report to Triple-A Syracuse.
Lombardozzi, 27, was selected by the Nationals in the 19th round of the 2008 draft and would remain in the organization through 2013 before moving on to the Orioles and then the Pirates. He compiled a .263/.294/.336 triple-slash line over parts of five seasons in the majors.
In 180 plate appearances with the Crabs, Lombardozzi hit .367/.401/.428 with eight doubles, a triple, 20 RBI, 27 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. While he’s unlikely to maintain those numbers against tougher competition, Lombardozzi’s versatility -- he can play every position aside from catcher and pitcher -- will certainly help the Nationals.
