The Washington Nationals are now in their final weekend of Grapefruit League play. There are only three games remaining in Florida for Spring Training including tonight’s game at the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
Today’s game will be a 6:05 pm EDT start time against the Marlins. There is no scheduled TV for this one, but there is radio from the Marlins both. The Nationals are at 12-13-1 in Grapefruit League play, and fell under .500 for the first time this spring.
Today brought some more cuts. The Nats essentially just made Mitchell Parker their 5th starter, by optioning LHP Shinnosuke Ogasawara and LHP DJ Herz to Triple-A. Let’s look at the ERA and WHIP for each: Herz 6.52/1.970, Parker 3.65/1.220, Ogasawara 11.25/2.667. The time must have been now to talk to general manager Mike Rizzo based on the following quote:
“Only time will tell. I’m going to sit down with [Rizzo]. I don’t know if we’re going to finalize stuff, but we’re going to, kind of, narrow things down. But everybody is still in the mix.”
— Martinez said on his final roster
There were other cuts too. Drew Millas was optioned to Triple-A making it a battle between Riley Adams and Andrew Knizner for the final catcher spot. It looks like Juan Yepez or Jose Tena will get the final bench spot because Nasim Nunez was optioned to Triple-A.
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.
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), Orlando Ribalta, Jackson Rutledge, and Eduardo Salazar.
“I’m happy with where we’re at, happy with how everything’s feeling, happy with how everything’s played out. I’m just waiting to figure out what happens.”
— Parker said
“I feel like I’ve put myself in a good position. Control what you can control.”
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.
There are 6-days until the Opening Day, and here is your lineup:
