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With 13 days left until Opening Day, it’s fair to start wondering when the Nationals will start making some decisions. For instance: Who’s starting Opening Day? That’s really been holding us all back for a while.
Here’s what’s fresh in Florida.
(13 days)
How does Sammy Solis still have an option?
Sammy Solis lost his first option in 2014, and his second in 2015. 2016 is unclear because of some weird gaps in the schedule from when he was sent down to when he was called up — but for whatever reason, he has a fourth option, and the Nats are a fan of the situation.
Trevor Gott and the impenetrable maze that is the Nationals' bullpen
The Nats acquired Trevor Gott ahead of the 2016 season. He struggled for the last two seasons — but this year, his breaking ball looks sharp, and he very well could be the next man up come April.
Daniel Murphy probably won’t be ready for Opening Day, though no one wants to say so
Nobody will rule it out, but it just seems improbable that Murphy will miraculously find himself ready in less than two weeks. Michael A. Taylor and Adam Eaton, on the other hand, are more likely — in fact, both may return to the lineup this weekend.
Nats don't rule out Murphy for opener
Dave Martinez says that Murphy is progressing well, but didn't sound too confident that Murphy would be on the team in time for Opening Day, which is, in fact, "just a day."
Nationals Daniel Murphy not ready for games
The Nats leave West Palm Beach in ten days. It's highly unlikely that Daniel Murphy comes with them to Washington or to Cincinatti.
Eaton, Taylor 'very, very close' to return
The Nats' two outfielders recovering from injury are on the right timetable to be back in time for the end of Grapefruit League play, and certainly for Opening Day.
Nationals still getting a feel for what the future of their pitching staff looks like
The Nats' pitching prospects, once the pride of the team, are considerably fewer and far between than before. With only Erick Fedde and A.J. Cole competing in earnest for the fifth starter job, the system is fairly weak at the top, and there aren't any names on the national radar.
From the desk of Mark D. Lerner
The Nats' owner is rehabbing his leg and having fun in West Palm.
Playing Pepper 2018: Washington Nationals
Hear from a panoply of Nats bloggers — including our own Audrey Stark — on what the deal is with the Nats in 2018, and why the Cardinals should be very afraid.
Strasburg getting familiar with Montero, re-acquainting with Wieters
Montero, new to the Nationals, is trying to get to know Stephen Strasburg, and vice-versa.
Today’s Game: Cardinals vs Nationals — 1:05 PM
Probable Pitchers: Miles Mikolas vs Gio Gonzalez