Ryan Rayburn, the newest member of the Washington Nationals, is the definition of a grizzled veteran.
Traded for cash considerations after Chris Heisey ruptured his bicep, Rayburn got the call to join the Nats after Jayson Werth injured a foot on a swing Saturday in Oakland. The switch from Triple-A Charlotte with the Chicago White Sox to starting against the Los Angeles Dodgers was a jolt.
One he relished.
Best known for his immense versatility, Rayburn played seven seasons with the Detroit Tigers. He played every position except catcher and short, even pitching twice for the Cleveland Indians out of the bullpen.