WASHINGTON (AP) -- Third baseman Vinny Castilla was traded by the Washington Nationals to the San Diego Padres for right-hander Brian Lawrence and cash Thursday night.
The move paves the way for Ryan Zimmerman, the No. 4 overall pick in June's amateur draft, to start at third for the Nationals next season.
The 38-year-old Castilla, hampered by knee tendinitis, hit .253 with 12 home runs and 66 RBIs in his first season with the former Expos. He led the NL in RBIs with Colorado in 2004, and signed a $6.2 million, two-year deal as a free agent with Washington last offseason.
Lawrence gives the Nationals a durable starter as they try to rebuild a rotation that fell apart late last season. He went 7-15 with a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts for San Diego in 2005. He struck out 109 batters and walked 57 in 195 2-3 innings.
Castilla gives the Padres a power hitter at third base, something the Twins could use.
