Nationals release Alcides Escobar, open roster spot for Luke Voit

Jun 28, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Alcides Escobar (3) reacts after striking out during the second inning at Nationals Park. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Nationals release former All-Star Alcides Escobar, open roster spot for Luke Voit

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/3/22

The Washington Nationals placed one-time All-Star shortstop Alcides Escobar on unconditional release waivers on Wednesday.

Nationals announce they’ve requested unconditional release waivers on Alcides Escobar. They needed to open a roster spot for Luke Voit, who will join the team tomorrow in Philadelphia.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) August 4, 2022

Escobar played 40 games for the Nationals this season, making just 131 plate appearances. He finished with eight RBI while slashing .281/.260/282.

The 35-year-old also made two relief appearances on the mound during blowouts for the Nationals. Over 1.2 innings of work, Escobar allowed two earned runs off three hits, sporting a 10.80 ERA.

Escobar spent parts of two seasons with Washington, batting .269/.318/.370 with four home runs and 36 RBI in 115 games.

Releasing Escobar clears a spot on the Nationals' 40-man roster for 1B/DH, Luke Voit.

Voit was sent to the Nationals from the Padres to complete the blockbuster deal for All-Stars Juan Soto, and Josh Bell after Padres' first baseman Eric Hosmer refused to waive his no-movement clause to go to Washington.

The 31-year-old is expected to join the Nationals on Thursday.

In 82 games for the Padres this season, Voit batted .225/.317/.416 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI.

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