Nats final starting slot down to 2

The final starting rotation slot was just reduced by one.  According to Bill Ladson, J.D. Martin has been assigned to Syracuse.  Looks like our projection is coming to fruition.  We predicted that the final slot would go to veteran starter Scott Olsen.

Garrett Mock remains in the mix, but did himself no favors yesterday, with a rather poor outing.  In yesterday's 9-5 Spring Training loss to Florida, Mock allowed 7 hits, 6 runs, 4 of which were earned, in just 4 2/3 innings.  Not a good way to make a statement.  Scott Olsen will make his next start on Friday against the Boston Red Sox.  A decent outing by Olsen will wrap up the final starting slot.  In his last outing, 1 9-3 win over the Atlanta Braves,  Olsen pitched 5 1/3 strong innings allowing just 1 earned run on 7 hits and striking out 4.  Olsen clearly has the upper hand and right now likely controls his own fate with a decent performance on Friday.

The Nationals are expected to make additional cuts today and the Nats bullpen may begin taking shape.