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Sammy Solis is looking for a new gig after the Nationals caught him “completely off-guard” with their decision to release him on Saturday. Aníbal Sánchez put together a solid start vs the Marlins last night.
Catch up on the latest news before the start of this afternoon’s Grapefruit League game against the Houston Astros. Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Sammy Solis Released:
Nationals part ways with lefty reliever Solis - (MLB.com)
"There’s also a financial component, although not a large one. By releasing Solis on Saturday, the Nationals are obligated to pay one-sixth -- around $142,000 -- of his $850,000 contract."
Dave Martinez said that releasing Sammy Solis now would give him an opportunity to find a new team and maybe even get to some of spring training. Martinez did not see him making the Nationals this year.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) March 9, 2019
Solís caught "completely off-guard" by abrupt release - (MASN)
"Opportunistic timing or not, Solís admitted he was blindsided when he was called into Martinez’s office after reporting to the clubhouse prior to this evening’s exhibition game against the Marlins."
Nationals release Sammy Solis, still have more bullpen questions to answer - (WaPost)
"The Nationals unconditionally released the 30-year-old reliever Saturday afternoon, ending his tenure with the only major league franchise he has ever known."
Nationals release left-handed reliever Sammy Solis - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals currently have no other left-handed relievers on their 40-man roster beyond Grace and Doolittle. Left-handed veteran Tony Sipp remains a free agent in a thin March reliever market."
Grapefruit League:
Sánchez impresses with parade of groundballs (Nats lose 2-1) - (MASN)
"Working quickly and efficiently, Sánchez kept the ball down in the zone and thus kept the ball on the ground. Of the 12 outs he recorded, 10 came via groundballs."
Aaaaand...
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 10, 2019
KieBOOM! goes the dynamite. #SpringTraining // #OnePursuit pic.twitter.com/Wu4xaN0HpM
Martinez may give Scherzer, Strasburg extra rest in April - (MASN)
"Don’t just assume you’re going to get that blockbuster Max Scherzer vs. Bryce Harper matchup in the latter’s return to Washington as a visiting player."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Rosenthal brings closer mentality to back of Nationals 'pen - (stltoday.com)
"Even if Trevor Rosenthal isn't closing for Washington, he'll take the mound believing he is."
Brian Dozier eyes bounce-back season with Nationals - (MLB.com)
"Dozier’s code is old school: Say nothing about injuries. Play through everything. Find different ways to contribute."