Zach

Walters

Acquired from Arizona in July 2011 for Jason Marquis, Walters enjoyed a breakout season in New York over the summer. The former ninth-round selection slashed .253/.286/.517 with 29 home runs in 134 games. He hit nine homers in 2011 and 12 bombs last year, so it’s difficult to know if Walters can sustain the pop going forward. We probably won’t find out this month, as Walters is joining a crowded bench.

Walters did commit an error at shortstop after rushing a throw on an Ichiro Suzuki chopper, but he sure has been impressive offensively in camp. The Nationals will become more comfortable with the possibility of trading Danny Espinosa is Walters continues to impress.

No word on the reason for the change. Mike Fontenot will start in his place at second base.

Walters was designated for assignment by the Dodgers over the weekend with Brett Anderson (back) coming off the disabled list. The 26-year-old will attempt to latch on with another team.

The club needed to free up a 40-man roster spot for the return of Brett Anderson (back). Walter was acquired from the Indians back in April after they had designated him for assignment.

Walters was only up in the majors for five days and went hitless with two strikeouts in five at-bats. He had been swinging the bat well this year at the Triple-A level and is a possible September callup.

Walters plated five of Oklahoma City’s seven runs. Tuesday was his sixth multi-hit game in a row. Walters has hit a remarkable .591 over that span while raising his season average from .240 to .291. The 26-year-old has shown his versatility this year by making starts in the outfield and both corner infield positions. Walters owns a .182 average with one homer and 10 RBI over 165 major league at-bats.

He’ll take the roster spot vacated by Trayce Thompson, who is out with lower back irritation. Walters has had a solid year at Triple-A, hitting .298 with 10 HR and 47 RBI in 275 at-bats for Oklahoma City. The Dodgers will likely use him in a utility role. With Joc Pederson (shoulder) expected to return on Tuesday, Walters may be headed back to OKC in a few days.

The 27-year-old utility man slashed .276/.326/.444 with 10 homers and 53 RBI in 94 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2016. He’ll try to carve out a role on the club’s Opening Day bench.

Walters had been playing for the Kansas City T-Bones of the independent American Association. The 27-year-old will report to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.