The Washington Nationals are now exactly one week from Opening Day on March 27. There are only four games remaining in Florida for Spring Training including tonight’s game at the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. The Nats will give Shinnosuke Ogasawara the start with Mitchell Parker starting this afternoon on the minor league side of camp.
Today’s game will be a 6:05 pm EDT start time against the Mets. Unfortunately, there is no scheduled radio or TV for this one.
While there is a chance that Ogasawara makes the Opening Day roster, it might not be a good chance. But you never know. Maybe he could make it in the bullpen.
Here is a look at the bullpen locks that we have:
1. Kyle Finnegan
2. Derek Law
3. Lucas Sims
4. Colin Poche (NRI)
5. Jose A. Ferrer
6. Jorge López (if healthy)
The remaining names for the final two bullpen spots are (A-Z): Brad Lord (NRI), Shinnosuke Ogasawara, Orlando Ribalta, Jackson Rutledge, and Eduardo Salazar.
In these final 7-days until Opening Day, there is a lot going on before Opening Day and the final roster reveal which usually goes official in the morning on Opening Day. This year we get the new City Connect jersey reveal on Sunday morning that is going to be an event with Ryan Zimmerman and DC Mayor Bowser arriving on Clydesdales and the reveal begins at the Center Field Gates between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM. The next day, on Monday, is an exhibition game against the Orioles then the Nationals will host their annual charity Gala at The Wharf.
Last week, manager Dave Martinez was asked about who would be his fifth starter which appears to be a competition between DJ Herz and Mitchell Parker at this point. There might not be enough time for Shinnosuke Ogasawara to show what he has. Let’s look at ERA and WHIP for each: Herz 6.52/1.970, Parker 3.65/1.220, Ogasawara 7.56/2.520.
The Nationals are at 12-12-1 in Grapefruit League play. They got a poor start from Jake Irvin as he struggled in his game yesterday, giving up six earned runs over 5 2/3 innings and two home runs. His velo on his fastball was down 2-3 mph most of his outing. There is always concern about an injury when you see that, but Irvin claims he is fine.
“No, we would’ve definitely taken him out, but he said he felt great. He said nothing to worry about. He’s tinkering. One, he’s throwing the slider, he’s throwing the cutter, so his fastball was just a little off.”
— Martinez said
RHP Zach Brzykcy has been dealing with a quadricep tendon issue, and he wasn’t projected to make the Opening Day roster prior to the announcement of his injury. We have our first Spring Training injury that will result in an IL move as Andres Chaparro injured his oblique and he will start the season on the IL. We learned today that Jorge Lopez, who hasn’t pitched since March 10, is dealing with a left hip issue. Martinez expects Lopez back shortly and to be ready by Opening Day.
“Right now, it definitely feels that way. I don’t know if that’s just the adrenaline of the game, or something mechanically. But we’ll dive into it tomorrow and see what’s up. … Physically feel good, yeah.”
— Irvin said
Here is the 40-man roster as well as a list of the NRI players you will be seeing. As you also had been seeing, players from Minor League camp have been subbing in late to get some action.
Prior to yesterday’s game, the Nationals made some major cuts from big league camp
- RHP Clay Helvey
- 3B Brady House
- OF Stone Garrett
- OF Andrew Pinckney
- OF Robert Hassell III
- INF Trey Lipscomb
That basically puts to rest any thoughts of both Clay Helvey and his 0.00 ERA, and the red hot Hassell (.370 BA, .951 OPS) of making the Opening Day roster.
There are 7-days until the Opening Day, and here is your lineup:
