With Luis Garcia having taken over as the club's starting shortstop and Escobar seeing only limited work in a reserve role, the Nationals have granted him his outright release. The 35-year-old has slashed a woeful .218/.260/.282 with no homers and eight RBI in 131 plate appearances on the season. It's unclear if he'll look to latch on elsewhere or will decide to hang his cleats up for good. His departure clears a spot for Luke Voit to join the active roster on Thursday.

Escobar wrapped up a minor league rehab assignment for Triple-A Rochester, and rejoins the Nationals in a bench role behind starting shortstop Luis García, on Tuesday evening after missing three weeks due to a right hamstring strain. The 35-year-old veteran infielder has hit .220/.264/.288 with zero homers and one steal in 125 plate appearances this season.

Escobar launched a solo homer in his first at-bat for the Red Wings on Wednesday evening, finishing 1-for-3 in the opening contest of his rehab assignment. The 35-year-old veteran shortstop has been out since late May due to a right hamstring strain. He should be back before the end of the month.

Escobar has been able to field ground balls and resume hitting, but is still dealing with discomfort in his right hamstring when he runs. It doesn't sound like he's close to a return at the moment.