Wire Taps: Seth Romero sent home by Nationals; Daniel Murphy hits off tee; Miguel Montero fighting for backup job...

The Nationals lost yesterday. It didn’t really matter. Does anything?

Here’s the beat from South Capitol Street.

(23 days until Opening Day)

Nationals first-round pick Seth Romero sent home for violating club policies
In the past, Romero has posed with drug paraphernalia in a team uniform, failed a drug test, and gotten into a fistfight while at the University of Houston. Mike Rizzo apparently told him when the team drafted him that they were unafraid to send him home when he was out of line. He was not bluffing.

Roark changes delivery, sees results
Tanner Roark, instead of using a full windup this year, has simplified his delivery to the plate — and in a few starts this spring, he's yet to give up an earned run. In other words, keeping it simple could prevent him from re-experiencing last year's struggles.

Nationals’ Daniel Murphy hits off tee, throwing soft toss
It's becoming more and more apparent that the Nats' timeline for Murphy was far too optimistic; the team isn't interested in rushing him back, so he likely won't be ready for Opening Day.

Miguel Montero could wind up as the Nationals’ backup catcher
If Matt Wieters is going to get less playing time this season, then someone needs to be a capable backup catcher. Pedro Severino has the job to lose, but Miguel Montero may prove more appealing.

Murphy progressing; Taylor scratched; Eaton still waiting
Michael A. Taylor's side tightness, Daniel Murphy's knee surgery, and Adam Eaton's ACL recovery are going to keep the Nats' full lineup from seeing the full field for a long while.

Nationals prospect Juan Soto makes his Grapefruit League debut
Soto, deemed one of the purest hitting prospects in all of baseball, let his excitement get the best of him in his first Grapefruit League at-bat. "Keep swinging," Dave Martinez told him.

Alejandro De Aza agrees to minor league deal with Nationals
De Aza hit .194 last year with the big-league club.

Miguel Montero gets fresh start with Nationals
"You can't live in the past, so you've got to move on." Wise words from Miguel Montero.

The Athletic: Before he could develop, Steven Souza Jr. had to grow up
Steven Souza was not a popular figure in the Potomac Nationals' clubhouse, nor did he appear to be that talented. An offseason off, some humbling, some religion, and a few trades later, and Souza is a cornerstone piece of both the Diamondbacks' clubhouse and outfield.

Michael Taylor scratched with side tightness
Given that Taylor missed most of July last season with a mild right oblique strain, keeping him loose and healthy — and not playing through anything, given that it's March 6th — is the top priority.

Nats send Seth Romero home from Spring Training
Romero, the number five prospect in the organization, had struggled before with discipline at the University of Houston. He, however, did not violate any MLB rules, so how this will be handled is unclear...

Andrew Stevenson gets in on big day for prospects
You know the top names. Verdugo. Acuna. Tucker. Stevenson.

Today’s Game: Astros vs. Nationals — 1:05 PM (MASN)
Probable Pitchers: Charlie Morton vs. A.J. Cole