The Washington Nationals bolstered their roster Wednesday when they announced the signing of veteran utility player Mark DeRosa to a one-year contract. The 14-year-veteran "is expected to be a backup first baseman and make occasional starts in the outfield and at second and third base," according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com. Ladson notes the injury to first baseman Chris Marrero, who will miss the start of the 2012 season, made DeRosa's signing more urgent.
DeRosa spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Atlanta Braves before bouncing around the league; he's played for five teams in the last seven seasons, and each of the lat two with the San Francisco Giants. In 201 plate appearances over 73 games with the Giants, DeRosa hit .235 with one homer and 22 runs batted in. In the field, he committed four errors in 63 chances for a 93.7 fielding percentage.
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