Nats get Carpenter from Yanks for prospect

MILWAUKEE -- The Nationals added veteran reliever David Carpenter on Thursday in a deal with the Yankees. Washington acquired the 29-year-old right-hander in exchange for Minor League infielder Tony Renda and the moved Nate McLouth to the 60-day disabled list in order to make room for Carpenter.

Carpenter has pitched in the big leagues in each of the past five seasons, going 11-11 with a 3.73 ERA in 210 appearances. Carpenter, a West Virginia native, was 0-1 with a 4.82 ERA in 22 appearances with the Yankees this season.

"Big fastball," manager Matt Williams said of Carpenter before Thursday's game against the Brewers. "We can see him in the back of the bullpen, seventh or later. If he can locate the fastball, be aggressive and go after hitters, then he can have success."

Carpenter, a 12th-round Draft pick in 2006, has pitched for the Astros, Blue Jays, Braves and Yankees. He spent 2013 and '14 with the Braves and notched a 10-5 record with a 2.63 ERA in 121 appearances. Williams believes that Carpenter's familiarity with the National League East will be a plus.

"We've seen enough of him over the last couple of years in Atlanta," Williams said. "He's got some experience, he knows our division well. He will have that comfort level."

The Yankees designated Carpenter for assignment on June 3, and the Nationals snapped him up. In order to acquire Carpenter, Washington dealt Renda, the team's No. 22-ranked prospect, who was a second-round pick in 2012. Renda was hitting .267 for Double-A Harrisburg at the time of the transaction.

While Carpenter's numbers in 2015 are underwhelming, Williams believes the right-hander can turn things around with the Nationals. 

"He's from West Virginia, so he has to make all those arrangements and get here at some point," Williams said. "He's going as quickly as he can.

"He's been throwing, hasn't had game competition, but it's not like he's taking the time off. He should be fresh and ready to go."