Ian Desmond deal done, and he's headed to Rangers outfield
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Ian Desmond is in camp with the Texas Rangers after signing his $8 million, one-year contract.
The Rangers announced the deal Monday morning, and Desmond was set to take part in workouts.
Desmond has played shortstop throughout his seven seasons with the Washington Nationals. He will be playing left field for the AL West champion Rangers, with Josh Hamilton set to start the season on the disabled list. The 30-year-old Desmond was an All-Star shortstop in 2012 but has started only one of his 927 career games in the outfield.
General manager Jon Daniels called Desmond a ''natural fit'' for the Rangers.
To make room on their 40-man roster, the Rangers placed right-hander Tanner Scheppers on the 60-day disabled list because of torn cartilage in his left knee.
