After the Indians traded Justin Masterson on Wednesday, many were wondering if Asdrubal Cabrera would be the next to go. With an hour to go until the trade deadline, they pulled the trigger.
Cabrera has been traded to the Nationals for infielder Zach Walters. Cabrera is in the final year of his contract and wasn't expected to be back anyway with Francisco Lindor expected to be the Opening Day shortstop next year.
Cabrera played in a team high 103 games for the Indians this season and is batting .246 with nine home runs and 40 RBI. Until being traded, he was the longest-tenured member of the current club, debuting in 2007 and making seven straight Opening Day starts at shortstop. He was among the American League leaders in home runs (second), runs scored (tied for third) and third in OPS.
Walters has played 40 games for the Nationals this season and is batting .205 with three homers and five RBI. Besides playing short, Walters has also played second and third. Walters was drafted in the ninth round by the Diamondbacks in 2010 and acquired by the Nationals in 2011 for Jason Marquis.
Besides Walters, Mike Aviles and Jose Ramirez can play short for the Indians. Lindor, who was promoted from Akron to Columbus on July 22, is also likely to be called up in September or earlier.
