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Ryan Zimmerman was supposed to be leading off today so he could get some at bats at the top of the lineup, but he was stiff so he’s scratched according to what Nats’ skipper Dave Martinez told reporters this morning. Zim isn’t in there for today’s matchup in West Palm Beach, but there are more regulars than in the first two games this Spring and the Nationals have Max Scherzer on the mound on MASN at 1:05 PM EST. While you wait for the game to start, catch up on the last 24 hours in Nats news...
NATS BEAT:
Nationals' Victor Robles compared to McCutchen
"When asked on Saturday to compare Robles to any other Major Leaguer, Nationals manager Dave Martinez sat and thought about it for a few seconds, then offered the name of the Giants' Andrew McCutchen."
Nationals' Victor Robles 'glides' to a strong start in first big league spring training
"It didn’t take long for Victor Robles to make an impression in his first big league spring training."
Martinez said Zimmerman came to the park today and said “he was stiff,” so no need to play yet. Davey said he can relate to how a veteran feels in these early days of the spring.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) February 25, 2018
Nationals' Tanner Roark keeps it simple
"Keeping it simple is what Roark said he is trying to accomplish this spring. He has a tendency to get too pumped up and rock back on his windup, throwing off balance."
Simplifying windup and timing, Roark hopes for better results
"Simplify his mechanics. Simplify his timing. Simplify his windup. And simplify his thought process when he’s on the mound."
Nats closer Doolittle hopes slider makes him more complete
"During the early weeks of spring, Doolittle, with the help of new pitching coach Derek Lilliquist, is experiencing encouraging results from the slider he’s been cultivating."
#Nats vs #Braves at 1:05: Goodwin LF, Turner SS, Harper RF, Rendon 3B, Adams 1B, Kendrick 2B, Wieters C, Taylor CF, Dominguez, Scherzer RHP
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) February 25, 2018
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Jake Arrieta watch: Talks with Phillies continue with agent Scott Boras
"The Washington Nationals had the strongest interest in Arrieta, 31, all offseason. Our pal Jon Heyman at FanRag Sports puts the Nationals as the favorites to land Arrieta..."
Poll: Still-Unemployed Top Ten Free Agents
"Heyman lists seven teams as potential landing spots for Arrieta, believing he’s most likely to land with the Nationals, Brewers or Phillies."
Reds signed LHP Oliver Perez to a minor-league deal with Big-League camp invite. he is here today
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) February 24, 2018
NL EAST UPDATES:
Miami Marlins hope to overcome loss of home run power with speed
"The Marlins might be unable to trump a significant loss of home run power with better base running. But they’re going to try."
Piazza impressed with Callaway and expects more from Mets catchers
"Mike Piazza has joined the Mets at Port St. Lucie hoping to impart some wisdom to the team and is impressed with what he's seeing from Mickey Callaway."
Jorge Alfaro hits a grand slam, but his progress behind the plate is the key - Philly
"Jorge Alfaro took his first swing of spring on Saturday and watched his grand slam sail into left field."
Luiz Gohara (groin) is behind, but Braves won't need 5th starter early
"Luiz Gohara’s strained groin already has put the hefty left-hander at least a week behind other Braves pitchers..."