Information » dismissed for a professional foul in the 51st minute, bu

VIERA, Fla. - The Washington Nationals filled the last clear-cut need on their roster on the opening day of spring training, acquiring catcher Jose Lobaton and two prospects from the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday for pitcher Nathan Karns. Lobaton gives the Nationals insurance behind fellow Venezuelan Wilson Ramos, who has never played in more than 108 games in a season because of various injuries. "Hes a capable backup," general manager Mike Rizzo said, "in case something does happen with Wilson." Lobaton, 29, started 76 games for the Rays last season and batted .249 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs. He was expendable because the Rays re-signed catcher Jose Molina and traded for Ryan Hanigan. Rizzo said Lobaton has above average metrics on defence. A notable exception is a 16 per cent success rate throwing out would-be base-stealers. "We feel that he throws well enough that he should be better than 16 per cent," Rizzo said. It speaks volumes about the Nationals confidence in their talent-laden roster that a move for a backup can fill the last significant hole on the day that pitchers and catchers reported. Barring injury, Rizzo wont be shopping during spring training. "Theres not an obvious spot that we need to address," Rizzo said. "But, as we say, if an opportunity arises, well be aggressive and open-minded about it." The Nationals are giving up a top prospect in the 26-year-old right-hander Karns, who three made starts in his first taste of the major leagues last season, but theyre adding a pair of 22-year-olds from the Jays pool of talent: outfielder Drew Vettleson and left-handed pitcher Felipe Rivero. Karns would have been in a crowded race for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. The trade for a younger pitcher alleviates part of that logjam and helps the Nationals stagger their pitching prospects. To make room for the new players on the 40-man roster, Washington placed right-handed pitcher Erik Davis on the 60-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow. New Balance Outlet Italia . -- The Oakland Raiders expect to have starting right tackle Tony Pashos back for Sundays game against the Houston Texans. New Balance Outlet Scontate . The Opening Day starter played 53 games this season hitting .192 with nine home runs and 25 RBI. Red Sox manager John Farrell has decided to start Jose Iglesias at third base as of late instead of Middlebrooks. http://www.newbalanceoutlet.it/ . -- Kevin Harvick pulled away on a restart with 47 laps to go and ended Chase Elliotts two-race winning streak in NASCARs Nationwide Series with a dominating victory early Saturday at Richmond International Raceway. New Balance Scarpe Offerta . The Spanish champions decision not to sign a defender during the January transfer window may have backfired after Valencia took advantage of a lethargic, uninspired effort by its hosts at the Camp Nou, where former Spain coach Luis Aragones -- who previously coached the Catalan side -- was honoured after his death on Saturday. New Balance Scontate . After a tight first half, the Croatians took command in Reykjavik after Skulason was dismissed for a professional foul in the 51st minute, but couldnt find a way past Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson and his packed defence. Eduardo had a weak shot cleared away from near the goalline after barely a minute for Croatia, whose substitute Ivica Olic forced a fine reaction save from Halldorsson in the 55th.QUEBEC -- Polona Hercog upset top-seed Kirsten Flipkens 6-3, 6-1 on Tuesday in the first round of the Challenge Bell tennis tournament. Stephanie Dubois of Laval, Que., lost to No. 4 Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-3, 6-4. Seventh-ranked Lauren Davis had the last word in a 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2 victory over Camila Giorgi after over two hours and forty minutes of play. No. 2 Krristina Mladenovic held off qualifier Melanie Oudin 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-2.dddddddddddd Also, No. 3 Lucie Safarova defeated Anna Tatishvili, 6-3, 6-2. Also, Sesil Karatantcheva topped fellow qualifier Amra Sadikovic 6-3, 6-4. A second qualifier will be moving on to the second round as Julie Coin won her match against Michelle Larcher de Brito 7-6(5), 7-5. ' ' '