Nationals Add Dukes and Gonzalez to Roster, Release 3 Players
Following tonight's series finale, the Washington Nationals added two players to their 25-man roster by recalling from rehab and reinstating outfielder Elijah Dukes from the 15-Day Disabled List and adding newly acquired shortstop Alberto Gonzalez, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Yankees earlier in the day and was scheduled to report to Washington, DC late tonight. Tomorrow, the Nationals are expected to recall second baseman Emilio Bonifacio from Columbus of the Triple-A International League. To make room on the roster, the Nationals released catchers Johnny Estrada and Paul Lo Duca, as well as, infielder Felipe Lopez. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcements.
Acquired from Arizona in exchange for righthander Jon Rauch on July 22, the 23 year-old Bonifacio batted .452 (14-for-31) with a double, three RBI, four walks, four stolen bases, nine runs scored and a .514 on-base percentage in eight games with Columbus.
Dukes, 24, went 5-for-15 (.333) with two doubles, one RBI, two walks and a .412 on-base percentage in four rehab contests with Columbus.
The 25 year-old Gonzalez was acquired earlier today from New York (AL) in exchange for minor-league righthander Jhonny Nunez. He is a plus defensive shortstop who last season was rated as the top defensive infielder in the Yankees' minor-league system. Gonzalez, who played in 28 games during a pair of stints with the Yankees this season, batted .250 (47-for-188) with eight doubles, four home runs and 23 RBI in 47 games with Scranton/W-B of the Triple-A International League in 2008.
Estrada, 32, was designated for assignment on July 22 after batting .170 in 23 games with Washington. The 36 year-old Lo Duca was hitting .230 in 46 games with the Nationals this season. Lopez, 28, batted .234 in 100 games with the Nationals in 2008.
