This will be Zach Davies final audition in the Grapefruit League for the Washington Nationals. There has been no indication if Davies is set to make the Nats’ roster, and a fifth starter is not technically needed until April 7 against the Phillies. As of now, his next start is TBD, and could be at the Nats’ On Deck: Nationals Futures exhibition game in six days at Nationals Park, or he could stay behind at extended Spring Training at the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
While Davies is one of the question marks going into cut day, three players have opt-outs available to them on March 22nd, and they are Matt Barnes, Eddie Rosario, and Jesse Winker. If all three of them make the Nats’ roster, the AAV payroll goes to just under $115 million before performance bonuses, player benefits and 40-man costs. If Davies makes it, his salary is expected to be under $5.25 million — but at least $2 million.
There are some clear cut roster spots sewn up, and there are still people wondering if there will be a surprise like Trey Lipscomb making the roster. Manager Dave Martinez has him in the starting lineup again. One other lineup twist is that Jacob Young and Victor Robles are playing side-by-side tonight in the outfield. They are the two players that Martinez named as competing for the starting spot in center field. General Manager Mike Rizzo might have the last say on that.
Tonight’s game at CACTI Park is not on television. There is radio coverage on the Cardinals station via the MLB app.
