Major League Baseball

Nats sign DeRosa to a 1-year contract

Published Dec. 28, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Washington Nationals have signed free-agent utility player Mark DeRosa to a one-year contact.

The 36-year-old Rosa has a .272 average with six clubs over 14 major league seasons. He was limited over the last two seasons after twice needing surgery on his left wrist.

He hit .279 in 86 at-bats this year with the San Francisco Giants.

The signing on Wednesday gives the Nationals some versatility on the bench. DeRosa has started games at six different positions during his career, including 75-plus starts at third base, second base, right field and shortstop.