Nationals send Detwiler to Rangers

Dec 12, 2014 - 4:00 PM Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - The Washington Nationals have traded left-hander Ross Detwiler to the Texas Rangers for a pair of minor leaguers.

After missing most of the 2013 season because of back issues, Detwiler went 2-3 with a 4.00 ERA in 47 relief appearances for the Nationals last season.

He had been used as both a starter and a reliever over the course of his seven-year career, but last season was the first that he pitched primarily out of the bullpen.

Texas is expected to give him an opportunity to start, but he could also be used in a setup role.

"From what I was told, I'll get a chance to be a starter again," Detwiler told the Washington Post. "I always pictured myself that way. I didn't really know exactly what my role was last year. Sometimes that's what you need. I'm excited about my new opportunity. A fresh start and a fresh set of eyes on me and maybe that will help me get back on track."

Selected sixth overall by the Nationals in the 2007 draft, Detwiler has compiled a 20-36 record with a 3.79 ERA in 85 career games -- 69 starts. His most productive campaign came in 2012 when he went 10-8 with a 3.40 ERA in 33 games (27 starts).

Infielder Chris Bostick and right-handed reliever Abel De Los Santos will head to Washington in the deal.