Nationals News: McLouth nearly up to speed from shoulder surgery
By Pablo Roa
Good morning DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily! It was a busy weekend for the Washington Nationals in Viera, Fla. as the team continues its preparations for the 2015 season, so there’s plenty of news to talk about coming out of camp.
In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Jamal Collier discusses Nate McLouth, who is coming back from a serious shoulder injury. As we know, the injury forced McLouth to have surgery last year and the outfielder missed most of the season on the disabled list. This year, however, McLouth appears to be healthy and should get a spot on the Opening Day roster.
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McLouth’s health is crucial for the Nationals this year, not only because the team needs a reliable bat on the bench, but also because they’ll likely need him to step in for Jayson Werth early in the season. Werth is recovering from shoulder surgery as well and it’s unlikely that he’ll be ready to go by Opening Day, which means McLouth will probably get the start in left field.
Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson answers several questions sent in by Nationals fans about the state of the team heading into Spring Training and approaching Opening Day. Be sure to check his responses out in the article below! And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Nationals Spring Training needs.
McLouth nearly up to speed from shoulder surgery
VIERA, Fla. — Nationals outfielder Nate McLouth is near the final stages in the recovery of his surgically repaired right shoulder.
Although he is not restricted from participating of the team’s workouts, the Nationals are limiting the volume of McLouth’s activity as a precaution.
“Once he gets sore, then we got to shut him down for a few days,” manager Matt Williams said. “So we don’t want to get there.” Read full article here.
Inbox: Would Nats consider 6-man rotation?
Would the Nationals consider a six-man rotation so Tanner Roark isn’t left out?
— Nicholas Z., Cottleville, Mo.
You are one of many who feel Roark should remain in the rotation after his productive season in 2014. However, I don’t see the Nationals going with a six-man rotation. When the season starts, I see Roark in the bullpen as a long man.
If the Nationals and Jordan Zimmermann cannot come to an agreement and he signs somewhere else, what kind of effect will this have on the Nationals in general?
— Chloe B., Beltsville, Md.
It will not have an effect at all. Manager Matt Williams won’t allow it. It will be nothing but baseball. I don’t think I’m wrong when I say this: I think the Nationals have enough firepower in the Minor Leagues to replace Zimmermann. Remember, Lucas Giolito is a highly touted prospect. A.J. Coleand Blake Treinen are ready to be in the rotation. I think Zimmermann is the best pitcher on the Nationals, but the team is prepared for life without him. Read full article here.