:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58978827/usa_today_10687622.0.jpg)
Judging by the lack of links this morning, everyone took the day off while the Washington Nationals rested up on Friday.
The Nats did, however, make a couple roster moves on the rare Spring off-day, optioning both Kelvin Gutierrez and Jefry Rodriguez to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators.
That was probably the most exciting thing that happened last night, well, outside of the random Matt Wieters-related rumor that was out there, but nothing came of that, so...
NATS BEAT:
Nationals option Gutierrez, Rodriguez to Double-A
"The Nationals made a pair of moves this morning, adding a little roster housekeeping to one of their two scheduled off-days this spring."
Checking in on the camp competitions
"Martinez is on record as saying he intends to make sure everyone on the 25-man roster is used, and that certainly plays into the decisions that will be made over the coming weeks."
#Nats at #Astros: Turner SS, Robles CF, Harper RF, Rendon 3B, Adams 1B, Wieters C, Goodwin LF, Raburn DH, Difo 2B, Fedde RHP
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) March 10, 2018
Gardner on his transition to minor league roving coordinator
"Following four seasons as the manager of the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, Billy Gardner Jr. takes on a new challenge within the Nationals organization as the minor league roving coordinator."
Nationals Inbox: Update on Jake Arrieta talks
"General manager Mike Rizzo has been consistent on this front, even as recently as earlier this week to the Washington Post when he said, 'there's nothing to talk about' -- before declining to address Arrieta."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
NL East: One burning question facing every team
"When at his best, Eaton is an on-base machine who also does everything well, including strong defense. The Nationals have a wealth of outfield depth..."
To clarify, A’s have been in talks about either trading for Matt Wieters or signing Jonathan Lucroy. Sources indicate they will get one of them.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) March 9, 2018
A’s have a one-year deal for Lucroy, source says.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) March 9, 2018
Because of MLB rules, the camels were forced to leave their cigarettes in the dugout
"The Washington Nationals, who finished February 1-4-1 in Grapefruit League play, reeled off a four-game winning streak to open March after manager Dave Martinez had three camels pay a visit to training camp."
Injury-risk players cloud the Nationals outlook
"In smart leagues, there’s such a rush to not be the [Gio] Gonzalez sucker that the price often collapses."
NL EAST UPDATES:
Luiz Gohara injures ankle in fielding practice
"Gohara sprained his left ankle as he stepped on the first-base bag while completing pitchers' fielding drills before Friday night's game..."
Gohara's latest injury has placed him in a walking boot. It’s uncertain when he might be healthy enough to join Atlanta’s rotation during the regular season https://t.co/6vQc2agE7p
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 10, 2018
Marlins Justin Nicolino hoping to make roster
"Nicolino is in the mix for a rotation or bullpen role, and he has a refreshed mentality -- and one fewer pitch at his disposal -- in hopes of sticking with the club."
Amed Rosario passes 1st return test after initially being ‘scared’
"Rosario is expected to start at shortstop and play three innings Saturday in Tampa against the Yankees after missing nearly a week with what was later diagnosed as a groin injury."
Phillies' Jerad Eickhoff working out kinks
"Eickhoff said that part of the reason was not being able to spot his breaking stuff to put hitters away when he was ahead early in the counts."