A's acquire reliever Abad

The Oakland A's acquired left-handed relief pitcher Fernando Abad from the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league outfielder John Wooten, CSN California reported.

Abad, 27, was 0-3 with a 3.35 earned-run average in 37 2/3 inning for the Nationals this past season.

Abad is likely to be used in middle relief for the A's, although Oakland's bullpen is somewhat unsettled closer Grant Balfour being a free agent.

Wooten, 22, hit .257 with 20 homers in 133 games at low Single-A this past season.