The Washington Nationals are gearing up for an exhibition matchup in Baltimore, marking the second part of their home-and-road series against the Orioles. It's a chance for fans to catch a glimpse of LHP Mitchell Parker, who’s stepping in as the starter for this game. Parker, slated to kick off the season with Triple-A Rochester, is making a one-off appearance today, offering a preview of his potential on the mound.
As the Nationals fine-tune their roster, they face a crucial decision with one last position player cut looming. All signs point to Tres Barrera being the odd man out unless the team opts to carry three catchers. Meanwhile, outfielders Joey Wiemer and Christian Franklin appear to have secured their spots as the extra outfielders, adding depth and versatility to the squad.
The bullpen battle is heating up with 11 relievers vying for just eight coveted spots. In a surprising twist, Drew Smith, once considered a roster "lock," was released yesterday.
Manager Blake Butera acknowledged the tough call, stating, "Drew threw the ball great. … Ultimately, it just came down to we had guys we had ahead of him.
But it was not an easy decision, and Drew did pitch great."
As the Nationals wrap up Spring Training, they boast an impressive ERA of 3.00, the best in MLB. However, their offensive struggles are evident, finishing last in OPS at .606.
Catch the action as the Nationals take on the Orioles at Camden Yards. The first pitch is set for 1:35 PM EDT, and you can tune in on MASN or listen live on Nationals Team 980.