Nationals sign DeRosa to 1-year deal

WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals have signed free-agent utility player Mark DeRosa to a one-year contact.

The 36-year-old Rosa, who spent two seasons with the Cubs in Chicago, has a .272 average with six clubs over 14 major league seasons. He was limited over the last two seasons after twice needing surgery on his left wrist. Since being traded by the Cubs in 2008, DeRosa has played for Cleveland, St. Louis and San Francisco.

He hit .279 in 86 at-bats this past season with the Giants while battling injuries for much of the year.

The signing on Wednesday gives the Nationals some versatility on the bench. DeRosa has started games at six different positions during his career, including 75-plus starts at third base, second base, right field and shortstop.

With first baseman Chris Marrero expected to miss the start of the 2012 season due to a hamstring injury while playing winter baseball, DeRosa should see some action at first base for the Nationals and manager Davey Johnson.