Wire Taps: Howie Kendrick could return before Opening Day; Stephen Strasburg looks sharp; Brian Dozier, Trea Turner begin partnership...

If you can believe it, the Nats nearly lost yesterday in part due to Tim Tebow. Yeah, *that* Tim Tebow.

Here’s what’s fresh in Florida:

Howie Kendrick expects to be ready for opener (MLB.com)
It's a strain, not a tear, meaning he can rehab and return rather quickly — potentially by Opening Day at Nats Park.

Nationals could have dominant pitching trio (MLB.com)
The Nats will go Max Scherzer-Stephen Strasburg-Patrick Corbin in what could be their most dominant group since the days of Strasburg, Zimmermann, and Gio in 2012 — though the one warning sign is that Strasburg's velocity still hasn't quite returned after he suffered an injury last year.

‘It’s like a dance partner’: Trea Turner, Brian Dozier adjust as Nationals’ new double-play combo (WaPo)
Brian Dozier and Trea Turner get about two months to learn each other — where they like the ball, how quickly they get to the bag — whatever makes the other most comfortable. It's like a marriage, a dance partnership with a jump throw thrown in the middle.

Strasburg labors early, then goes longer than expected in 6-4 win (MASN)
Strasburg labored in the first inning, walking two, but ultimately came through with a decent performance. Next start, he should go 70-75 pitches.

MRI shows Kendrick has hamstring strain (Nats win 6-4) (MASN)
Howie's leg wasn't wrapped as he moved freely around the clubhouse. In other words, things are good, though the team will be sure to take it as slowly as they need to this early on.

Work ethic getting Kieboom noticed in first major league camp (MASN)
Carter Kieboom is arriving before most everyone (8:20 AM!), working diligently to pick up second base and to fit in with the Nationals' veteran clubhouse, as well as to get their advice on almost everything and mirroring their every move.

Jacque Jones Found Liable In Revenge Porn Lawsuit (Deadspin)
Featuring some NSFW details and words on what Jacque Jones did to get himself fired. The Nationals had no comment.

The National League East is the Division to Watch in 2019 (Baseball Essential)
"This season, the Mets, Braves, Nationals, and Phillies all have a realistic shot at winning the division. All four teams have made big additions this offseason and there is still the possibility of potential Hall of Famer Craig Kimbrel landing in the division also. It’s not out of the question that three of these four teams make the postseason."