Veteran utilityman Howie Kendrick reached agreement with the Washington Nationals on a two-year, $7 million contract, two baseball sources confirmed to ESPN. The deal is pending completion of a physical exam.
The Kendrick signing fulfills general manager Mike Rizzo's desire to further upgrade the team's bench. Kendrick has primarily played second base in the big leagues, but he also made 33 starts in the outfield for Washington in 2017 and provides insurance at multiple positions.
Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee in October, and outfielder Adam Eaton appeared in only 23 games before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in April.