The Washington Nationals, who have been looking for position player depth at the beginning of this season, have signed infielder Josh Harrison to a deal for the 2020 season.
The veteran infielder, who spent the 2019 season with the Detroit Tigers, inked a Minor League deal with the Philadelphia Phillies over the offseason but was granted his release earlier this month.
Harrison, an NL All-Star during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2014 and 2017, played in only 36 games last season before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury in May. He batted .175 with only one home run in limited action.
Harrison should provide Nationals manager Davey Martinez with an important boost of versatility on the infield and plenty of MLB experience. While he hasn’t been healthy or productive during the last two seasons, the Nats expect that he will play a key role as a bench contributor this year.
The Cincinnati native is expected to spell veteran infielders Asdrubal Cabrera and Starlin Castro at third and second base, respectively, as well as serving as a bench bat in late game situations.
After passing COVID-19 tests and a physical examination, Harrison will be available for Washington for their series against the Toronto Blue Jays this week.
