Asdrubal Cabrera traded to Nationals

— -- The Washington Nationals have acquired infielder Asdrubal Cabrera from the Cleveland Indians for infielder Zach Walters.

The Nationals also received cash considerations in the deal, which was officially announced less than an hour before baseball's 4 p.m. ET deadline Thursday for non-waiver trades.

Cabrera, 28, is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. The two-time All-Star is batting .246 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs this season.

The Nationals needed to strengthen their infield due to the absence of third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury.

Although Cabrera primarily has played shortstop during his career with the Indians, the eight-year veteran likely will play either second or third base for Washington, which already has former All-Star Ian Desmond at shortstop.

If Cabrera plays second base and Desmond stays at shortstop, Anthony Rendon likely would shift to third base full-time for the first-place Nationals, who entered Thursday with a 1½-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East.

It was the second major deal in as many days for the Indians, who traded former All-Star pitcher Justin Masterson to the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Thursday's trade of Cabrera clears a path for minor league shortstop Francisco Lindor, Cleveland's top prospect, to play for the Indians.