Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ prospect Luis Garcia shows off power, Patrick Corbin makes first 2020 start + more Nats links...

Patrick Corbin made his first start of the Spring on Saturday. Luis Garcia hit his first home run of the Spring. Victor Robles’s MRI came back negative (oblique). Carter Kieboom had one hard-hit grounder go through his legs and cost the team a run, though his manager’s assessment of the field in Jupiter, FL excused that one.

There was plenty to talk about yesterday. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Corbin’s 2020 debut:

Patrick Corbin throws two innings, allows one run in spring training debut - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Corbin struggled with his command -- walking two batters and throwing just 11 strikes in 24 pitches."

Corbin last starter to get eased into action - (MLB.com)
"The team had been cautious with its arms following a postseason that stretched until Oct. 30. In total, Nationals pitchers threw 153 innings in their World Series-winning run. Washington had to manage offseason rest with Spring Training preparation."

Hearing from Corbin, Martinez and García after a 6-3 loss - (MASN)
"Third baseman Carter Kieboom had another rough day in the field, letting a bad-hop single by John Nogowski go through his legs in the fifth, when the Cardinals plated two runs for a 3-0 lead."

Garcia Bomb:

Nationals' No. 2 prospect Luis Garcia hits two-run home run in spring training loss - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals are down in West Palm Beach for spring training as they get ready for the 2020 MLB season, and Luis Garcia had a big moment in their win on 6-3 loss on Saturday."

Notes: Garcia's growing; Robles taking it slow - (MLB.com)
"Victor Robles underwent a precautionary MRI on his left oblique on Friday after slipping in Wednesday's road game against the Yankees."

Other Nats Stories:

If Max Scherzer were commissioner, the first rule he'd change is the dropped third strike - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Earlier this week, Scherzer was asked what's one rule he would change if he were the commissioner of Major League Baseball. His response, although a minor detail in the game, is one many pitchers probably agree with him on."

Starlin Castro welcomes loftier expectations, and the Nationals are counting on him to deliver - (WaPost)
"Last season was one of the most difficult of his career. He played all 162 games, and the Marlins won just 57 of them."

Juan Soto’s power made him a household name. His plate discipline could make him an all-timer - (WaPost)
"For all the damage the 21-year-old can do with a bat — and it is significant — his most impressive trait is how infrequently he swings one."

Updates on relievers, Robles and Braymer (Nats lose 6-3) - (MASN)
"The Nationals are about to start getting a better look at the three pitchers who will form the back end of their bullpen in 2020."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Zack Wheeler's spring debut offers interesting look at fastball location debate in Phillies camp - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Pitch locations have been a huge talking point so far in this Phillies camp. Several pitchers were asked to emphasize fastballs at the top of the strike zone last season and the results were not good."

Mets' Steven Matz calls following an opener an 'intriguing' idea - (NY Post)
"Steven Matz is an old-school guy when it comes to pitching roles: Starters start and relievers relieve."

Back from injury, Sánchez displays power bat - (MLB.com)
"[Jesús] Sánchez, the No. 80 overall prospect in baseball, grew up learning the game with his older brother, Merba. The elder Sánchez had a particular player he saw fitting for Jesús to learn from: a fellow Dominican with a powerful bat."

Fried improves command in 2nd spring start - (MLB.com)
"On Saturday night during the Braves’ 12-0 win over the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park, Fried showed -- just as he had during his standout rookie season -- that he was capable of leaving rough starts in the past."