Wire Taps: Miguel Montero is Washington Nationals’ backup catcher; Bryce Harper rebar workouts...

Signed to a Minor League deal in February, Miguel Montero has apparently earned the job as the Washington Nationals’ backup catcher.

With the veteran backstop earning the role, top catching prospect Pedro Severino was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, where the 24-year-old will get to play every day while he continues to develop.

Once considered the catcher of the future in the nation’s capital... Severino is, uh, still, apparently considered the future behind the plate in D.C.

“He’s still developing,” Martinez told reporters on Saturday, as quoted by MASN’s Mark Zuckerman. “Making sure that we do the right thing for him. That being said, we really value the fact that he’s going to be an everyday catcher for us one day.”

One day. One day...

NATS BEAT:

Miguel Montero to be Nationals backup catcher
"The Nationals' roster picture became clearer on Saturday when the team made a flurry of roster moves with five days to go before the regular season begins."

Miguel Montero wins Nationals’ backup catcher job as Opening Day roster comes into focus
"When the dust settled, the Nationals named Miguel Montero their backup catcher and optioned Pedro Severino to Class AAA Syracuse."

Nationals have stable bullpen trio in 2018
"After years of entering the season with uncertainty at the back end of the bullpen, Washington has stability behind the arms of Madson, Kintzler and Doolittle."

Nationals make 12 cuts; Montero makes opening day roster
"Miguel Montero has made the club as the No. 2 catcher, and there are now four remaining roster spots for six remaining candidates in camp..."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Minor League Ball Gameday: Saturday, March 24, 2018
"Another Minor League Ball favorite, Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, went 2-for-4 with a home run against the Miami Marlins."

Bryce Harper incorporated rebar into his workouts in a new Under Armour video
"This time around, Bryce Harper showed off some of his strength by using pieces of metal."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Marlins' Trevor Richards gets best of Scherzer again; split squad on Sunday
"Trevor Richards took it to an extreme as he outpitched Nationals three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer for the second time in five days in a 4-3 Marlins win."

Braves release pitcher Scott Kazmir
"Instead of continuing to try to figure out how to uncomfortably fit Scott Kazmir into their plans, the Braves opted to release the veteran left-handed pitcher..."

Mets get ‘blunt’ with Zack Wheeler as he gets demoted
"Zack Wheeler’s spring started successfully enough, but two brutal performances near the end tarnished it."

Phillies set date for Jake Arrieta's regular season debut
"The Phillies have announced their plan for Jake Arrieta."