The Nationals dealt one of their many strong bullpen arms for middle infield help:

Infielder Yunel Escobar is heading to the Nationals, and All-Star reliever Tyler Clippard is going to the Athletics, thanks to the ninth deal between those clubs in a little more than four years.

The swap, announced Wednesday, gives Washington a player who could solve its search for a starting second baseman. Escobar could play shortstop for the Nationals if they wind up trading away — or fail to agree to a new contract with — Ian Desmond, who can become a free agent after next season.

Escobar is not a long term solution. He’ll play 2015 as a 32-year-old, and 2014 was the first season in which he posted negative fielding runs, according to FanGraphs. Inside Edge Fielding seems to indicate he lost a step in 2014. Given his history, however, he looks like someone who could bounce back for a year.

Clippard has a history of a much lower ERA than his FIP indicates. He’s a high strikeout pitcher who gives up lots of fly balls. How well they stay in the park in Oakland will say a bit about how this trade works out. All in all, a good move by both clubs.

Update: James Wagner has a lot more on the trade.