Doug made a start in Game 4 of the 2013 ALDS against the Oakland Athletics, with the Tigers facing elimination. He gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings of work. The Tigers won the game with a late rally, so Fister did not factor in the decision. In Game 4 of the 2013 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox, Fister gave up just one run on eight hits, striking out seven over six innings and earning the win in a 7-3 Tigers victory. Following the 2013 season, Fister was named a finalist for the Gold Glove Award for the pitcher position alongside Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey. Fister finished the season with zero errors for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. Additionally, he led all American League pitchers in putouts (23) and double plays started (5), and was seventh in assists (29). On December 2, 2013, Doug Fister was traded to the Washington Nationals for utility man Steve Lombardozzi and left handed pitchers Ian Krol and Robbie Ray. During spring training with the Nationals, Fister developed a strained lat muscle on his right side that put him on the disabled list to start the 2014 season. He returned on May 9 against the Oakland Athletics where he gave up five earned runs on nine hits in innings. He bounced back in his next start, against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Fister gave up one earned run on five hits in seven innings. Fister finished the 2014 season with a 16-6 record over 164 IP, tallying 98 strikeouts, a 1.08 WHIP (5th in the NL among qualified starters), and a 2.41 ERA (4th in the NL). Fister pitched in 25 games for the Nationals in 2015, 15 of which were starts. He posted a 5–7 record, 4.19 ERA, and 63 strikeouts in 103 innings pitched. On January 28, 2016, Fister signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Houston Astros. He became a free agent at the end of the season. On May 20, 2017 Fister signed a minor-league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. On June 21, 2017 he opted out of his Angels contract and was placed on waivers. On June 23, 2017, Fister was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox. On June 25, Fister made his first start with the Red Sox, going 6 innings and striking out 6 batters, allowing 3 earned runs and in a 2-4 loss against the Los Angeles Angels.