Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond's name has surfaced in some MLB trade rumors involving the Tampa Bay Rays. With minor league prospect Steve Lombardozzi chomping at the bit for a spot on the Nats' roster, there is rampant speculation that Washington will get rid of one of their young middle infielders, Desmond or second baseman Danny Espinosa.
Between the two, the Nats would likely much rather get rid of Desmond, who has not performed at nearly as high of a level as Espinosa this season. Enter the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays are among several teams interested in Desmond, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson. This would make them an interesting trading partner for the Nats, who always seem to be one outfielder short of a full lineup and have been linked in the past to the Rays' perpetually rumored-to-be-traded centerfielder B.J. Upton.
This would be an interesting move by the Nationals because it would indicate that, for the first time since their move to DC, they are buyers on the trade market.