AP: Desmond has deal with Rangers, pending physical

Likely to play left field with Texas

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 12: Ian Desmond #20 of the Washington Nationals makes a running throw for an out of Jose Peraza #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning at Dodger Stadium on August 12, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

SURPRISE, Ariz. – A baseball official with knowledge of the deal says free agent Ian Desmond has agreed to a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday on the condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by Fox Sports, is subject to the former Washington Nationals shortstop passing a physical.

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Desmond will likely play left field for the Rangers with Josh Hamilton expected to miss at least the first month of the season because of left knee issues. Desmond started only one of his 927 career games in the outfield for Washington the past seven seasons.

Texas will lose a first-round draft pick because Desmond rejected a $15.8 million qualifying offer from the Nationals after last season.