WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals acquired catcher Kurt Suzuki from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league catcher David Freitas on Friday.
The 28-year-old Suzuki was batting .218 with a home run and 18 RBIs for Oakland. Manager Davey Johnson said he expects Suzuki to report in time for Saturday’s home game against Miami.
Washington wanted to shore up the catching spot after the loss of Wilson Ramos with a torn ACL. Jesus Flores has been the starting catcher, though Johnson referred to Suzuki as “a No. 1 catcher.”
Freitas was batting .271 for Class-A Potomac.
