Dodgers close to getting Belliard

The Dodgers are on the verge of acquiring veteran infielder Ronnie Belliard from the Nationals for two minor leaguers, sources say.

Belliard will be used to spell Orlando Hudson, James Loney and Casey Blake on occasion and otherwise come off the bench.

In his 12th major league season, Belliard is hitting .247 with five home runs and 22 runs batted in through 85 games with the Nationals this season. For his career, he has a .274 average, 107 homers and 565 RBIs.

He has played for five major league teams since the Brewers called him up in 1998, most of the time at second base.