Atholton Grad Lombardozzi Traded to the Tigers

The Washington Nationals agreed to a trade Monday that sends former Atholton standout Steve Lombardozzi to the Detroit Tigers.

Lombardozzi, 25, is one of three young players the Nationals traded to acquire starting pitcher Doug Fister from the Tigers. Lombardozzi, a utility infielder, spent his first three seasons in the majors with the Nationals, hitting .264 over 257 games.

The Washington Post commended the deal, writing that it gives the Nationals "one of the best rotations in the National League without significantly weakening their team."

But the paper noted Lombardozzi's local support, writing that the pro, "who still lived in his hometown Columbia, had become a beloved teammate and a fan favorite for his hustling, intelligent style."

Lombardozzi was traded with reliever Ian Krol and pitching prospect Robbie Ray.

As a shortstop for Atholton, Lombardozzi was named a first-team all-county selection three times and hit .460 during his senior season in 2007, according to the Howard County Times.