Nats Links: Nats fall to Marlins 5-1
The Washington Nationals offense only mustered 3 hits on the day yesterday as the Nats fell to the Marlins 5-1. Dan Haren (0-1) made his spring debut for the Nats, throwing 2 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 run, and fanning 3. Tanner Roark was tagged for 4 runs, 4 hits, and 2 walks in 1.1 innings. Tyler Moore, Danny Espinosa, and Steve Lombardozzi each had a hit.
Game Recaps: Wash Post, Federal Baseball, District Sports Page, MASN, Nationals Prospects
More on Dan Haren.
We have all heard the news that reliever Drew Storen may have suffered back spasms during his Game 5 meltdown. Storen refused to discuss it and not place any blame outside his individual performance. Nats GM Mike Rizzo had no idea about the alleged back spasms.
“And really, it was news to me about the excruciating back pain and that type of thing. We knew that he was getting some treatment. And it’s really the responsibility of the player — if he’s not ready to go, if he’s not able to go — to tell the manager and be honest with him. “But Drew’s a warrior; he’s gonna battle through things, and pitch through things,” Rizzo continued. “And the way I saw him pitch, his velocity was really good, his stuff was really good, he was just missing on some of his pitches.
Veteran pitcher Javier Vasquez was linked via many rumors and reports to have interest from the Nationals. That interested has ended for now. Vasquez stated he would not return to the majors this season.
Besides being a damn good catcher, Nats players also like and appreciate Kurt Suzuki's attitude and personality.
New closer Rafael Soriano plans to make 8 appearances during the 30 games Grapefruit schedule. The Nats will span those out over the 30 games. More on Soriano throwing batting practice yesterday.
Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche return to the lineup today. Wilson Ramos will join them as DH.
Even though this is the final season for Nats manager Davey Johnson, he has no plans to just fade away from baseball.
More on Ryan Zimmerman bouncing back from off-season shoulder surgery.
Another article on the future of the Nats' spring training facility and Florida Governor Rick Scott's proposal for stadium upgrades in Florida.
Here is a World Baseball Classic preview for Team USA.
Byron Kerr writes on the Nats' second wave of prospects pushing for major league time.
