clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Wire Taps: Where's Shawn Kelley?; Tanner Roark gets WBC start; Nationals have to make Nathan decision soon

Catch up on the last 24 hours in Nationals news before the start of today's Grapefruit League matchup with the Braves and tonight's WBC semi-final which features Tanner Roark on the mound.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Not to be alarming or anything, but there's less than two weeks until Opening Day. TWO. WEEKS. SOUND THE ALARMS!

Here's what's new in West Palm.

Shawn Kelley hasn't been seen much in the Grapefruit League games. Don't worry, he's still pitching
At this point in March, the main point of major league spring training games is for pitchers fighting for roster spots to showcase themselves. Where does that leave guys like closer candidate Shawn Kelley? Why, with the minor-leaguers on Field 5, of course.

Ryan Zimmerman 'feeling better every day at the plate'
Zimmerman is healthy, and in his limited time at the plate, he's been seeing the ball well.

Trea Turner really loves baseball (which makes him a very good baseball player)
Turner is enamored with the sport that he's incredibly talented at playing, and he really likes getting better at the sport. So here's hoping that translates into major league success at the shortstop position.

Tanner Roark finally gets start he deserves in World Baseball Classic
Roark has quietly been one of baseball's best pitchers over the last four years, and hasn't gotten too much time in the spotlight, even in the World Baseball Classic. So yeah, he deserves the nod on Tuesday night against Japan.

Nats have to make tough decision regarding Joe Nathan soon
Joe Nathan has pitched to a 3.00 ERA thus far in spring training, but the opt-out on his contract is this Friday -- the Nats must decide to add Nathan to the 40-man roster, or to cut him loose.

Nationals fans have begun long goodbye to Bryce Harper
A quick trip around the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, and you know that some fans are already resigned to losing the Nats' young slugger.

Today's Game: Braves vs Nationals -- 1:05 PM
Probable Pitchers: Mike Foltynewicz (0-1, 2.08 ERA) vs Gio Gonzalez (1-1, 0.75 ERA)
Days until Opening Day: 13