Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ sim game features Max Scherzer; Carter Kieboom on starting at third in 2020 + more Nats links...

With Max Scherzer on the mound and a number of Nationals getting at bats against the Cy Young award-winner (three-time winner), the Washington Nationals had cameras going on the field in Nationals Park. Manager Davey Martinez said the club was doing its best to give everyone all the help (video and data) they can to help with their preparation for the 2020 MLB season.

“We’re treating — we’re going to treat all these outings as if we’re in the middle of the season,” Martinez explained. “So we want to get as much data and as much video as we possibly can get. Right now we’re looking at all kinds of stuff, mechanics, spin-rate, you name it. We want to make sure that we’re up to beat and that these guys are ready to go come July 23rd.”

Will the baseball world make it to the 23rd, and then through the 60-game season? Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Trea Turner calls 2020 MLB season a 'fluid situation' but never considered sitting out - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Wearing it Tuesday was more of a test and sign. Players are not mandated to wear masks on the field. Some do, some do not."

Max Scherzer grunts his way through three innings in Nats' first sim game - (MASN)
"And it was easy to close your eyes and hear Scherzer grunting through every pitch, the sound echoing through an empty ballpark."

Notes: Kieboom motivated; Scherzer locked in - (MLB.com)
"The coaching staff outlined areas of improvement after Spring Training was halted, and Kieboom 'really didn’t stop' practicing. He focused on his footwork, fielded 'tons and tons' of ground balls and worked on his hitting."

At least three Nats pitchers not cleared for workouts yet - (MASN)
"Pitchers Wander Suero, Roenis Elías and Joan Adon have not been cleared to join the rest of the club for summer training at Nationals Park, Davey Martinez acknowledged today, though the manager added each has tested negative for COVID-19."

Masks help Nationals curb lifelong habits of spitting, sunflower seeds - (WaPost)
“The Washington Nationals played their first intrasquad simulated game Wednesday, and each coach and staff member had his face covered.”

60-game schedule won't produce fair pennant race - (MASN)
"As foolish as it may be right now to look ahead three months and try to deduce how a season as tenuous as this one is might play out, it’s worth at least a little bit of examination."

Carter Kieboom is now focused on keeping his job - (NBC Sports Washington)
"In spring training, the third base job was part of a competition between Kieboom and Asdrúbal Cabrera. Martinez gave the job to Kieboom to start 'Summer Camp.'"

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

The 2020 Season Won’t Be the Distraction MLB Hopes - (The Ringer)
"As Nationals closer Sean Doolittle—who won’t live with his wife during the season because she’s at high risk due to a chronic lung condition—said over the weekend, 'You’re always kind of waiting for more bad news.'"

What If … Calvin Griffith never moved the Senators out of D.C.? - (The Athletic)
"In October 1960, after three failed attempts, Griffith was given the green light to move the Washington Senators to Minnesota."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Bryce Harper goes to bat for J.T. Realmuto after catcher’s homer - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Harper has lately worn a T-shirt with Realmuto’s name and number on the back. Harper denied trying to send any messages to management by wearing the shirt."

Mets sale: First-round bidding deadline is here - (NY Post)
"The sale process for the Mets finally kicks into gear Thursday with the first-round bidding deadline."

Notes: Kintzler brings vet boost; Banfield to IL - (MLB.com)
"The Marlins signed Kintzler as a free agent for $3 million in early February, and he is already feeding off the youthful enthusiasm of Miami’s relievers."

Snitker: Braves likely to use piggyback approach - (MLB.com)
"With the piggyback approach, the Braves would allow their starting pitcher to work three to four innings and then be followed by a reliever, who would be slated to throw two to three more innings."