DeJesus traded to Tampa Bay

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The David DeJesus Era in Washington lasted all of four days. And never even made it to Washington.

The Nationals traded DeJesus to the Rays today for a player-to-be-named or cash considerations, acquiring and then moving the veteran outfielder in a manner that only a Wall Street day trader could truly appreciate.

Monday's acquisition of DeJesus in a waiver-claim trade with the Cubs for a player-to-be-named seemed curious from the Nationals' perspective. Though the 33-year-old offered a solid reputation as a professional hitter and clubhouse leader, there wasn't much need for another left-handed outfielder on the Nationals roster, a point manager Davey Johnson made as soon as the original deal was announced.

The Nationals, though, immediately placed DeJesus back on waivers, suggesting they wanted to see if another club might be interested enough in him to offer something in return.

The Rays, who do need a left-handed-hitting outfielder, put in a claim on DeJesus and thus had until 1 p.m. today to try to work out a deal with the Nationals, who could have pulled him back and retained him for the rest of the season. In the end, general manager Mike Rizzo felt the player he'll ultimately receive from Tampa Bay was more valuable.

Thus ends DeJesus' brief tenure as a National. He never came to Washington, only transferring from the home clubhouse to the visitors clubhouse at Wrigley Field on Monday, then spending four days in a Nationals uniform.

DeJesus appeared in three games and received four plate appearances. He went 0-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt.

He now heads to Tampa, becoming a mere footnote in Nationals franchise lore.