Jun 28, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Alcides Escobar (3) reacts after striking out during the second inning at Nationals Park. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Nationals release former All-Star Alcides Escobar, open roster spot for Luke Voit

The Washington Nationals placed one-time All-Star shortstop Alcides Escobar on unconditional release waivers on Wednesday. 

Escobar played 40 games for the Nationals this season, making just 131 plate appearances. He finished with eight RBI while slashing .281/.260/282. 

The 35-year-old also made two relief appearances on the mound during blowouts for the Nationals. Over 1.2 innings of work, Escobar allowed two earned runs off three hits, sporting a 10.80 ERA. 

Escobar spent parts of two seasons with Washington, batting .269/.318/.370 with four home runs and 36 RBI in 115 games. 

Releasing Escobar clears a spot on the Nationals' 40-man roster for 1B/DH, Luke Voit. 

Voit was sent to the Nationals from the Padres to complete the blockbuster deal for All-Stars Juan Soto, and Josh Bell after Padres' first baseman Eric Hosmer refused to waive his no-movement clause to go to Washington. 

The 31-year-old is expected to join the Nationals on Thursday. 

In 82 games for the Padres this season, Voit batted .225/.317/.416 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI. 

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