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Are the Nationals showcasing Danny Espinosa for a trade?

Danny Espinosa

Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa grabs a ground ball on his way to getting the out at first on San Diego Padres’ Mark Kotsay during the fourth inning of their baseball game Saturday, May 18, 2013, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

AP

Danny Espinosa was demoted to Triple-A last week after Anthony Rendon overtook him as the Nationals’ second baseman and now Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports that Espinosa is playing shortstop in the minors.

Espinosa was originally a shortstop before shifting to second base in the majors, but the Nationals have Ian Desmond entrenched as the starter there. So why would they be giving Espinosa time at shortstop?

Several “rival executives” told Kilgore they think it’s a way for the Nationals to showcase Espinosa for a potential trade, giving other teams a chance to evaluate him at multiple positions. First and foremost Espinosa needs to show that he’s healthy after hitting just .158 while playing through a shoulder injury, but if he’s fallen out of the Nationals’ long-term plans there are always plenty of teams in the market for shortstop help.