A's Trade Kurt Suzuki To Washington For Minor League Catcher
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- The Oakland Athletics have traded longtime catcher Kurt Suzuki to the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league catcher David Freitas and cash considerations on Friday.
The 28-year-old Suzuki was batting .218 with a home run and 18 RBIs for Oakland. Nationals Manager Davey Johnson said he expected Suzuki to report in time for Washington's home game against Miami Saturday.
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.
Suzuki was drafted by the A's out of Cal State Fullerton in 2004. He made his debut for the A's in 2007 and holds a .254 career batting average with 57 home runs and 302 RBIs.
Oakland also acquired catcher George Kottaras from the Brewers on Sunday, leading to speculation that the slumping Suzuki was headed to the waiver wire.
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