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Washington Nationals News: Reed Johnson competing for backup role this spring

By Pablo Roa

Mar 6, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Reed Johnson (5) is greeted by teammates after scoring a run during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Reed Johnson (5) is greeted by teammates after scoring a run during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Today’s District Daily features stories on Washington Nationals utility player Reed Johnson and what the middle of the order needs to do to stay productive in 2016.

Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.

In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson discusses Reed Johnson’s chances of making the big league club in a backup capacity. Johnson missed almost all of last season because of a damaged tendon in his foot and a broken rib.

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Despite his injury issues last season, the Nationals brought Johnson back on a minor league deal this season and the veteran has a chance to make the big league club this spring. Of course, Johnson faces a lot of competition this spring if he wants to make the Opening day starter.

As of now, he’s off to a good start. In four spring games, Johnson has three hits with two runs scored and an RBI.

Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Thomas Boswell writes an interesting column about what the middle of the Nationals’ order has to do to stay productive in 2016. As Boswell writes, the number one priority for the heart of the order — Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth and Anthony Rendon — will be to stay healthy in 2016.

Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.

Johnson in mix for backup role with Nationals

(Bill Ladson, MLB.com)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Outfielder Reed Johnson made it known Tuesday that he wants to make up for last year with the Nationals. He missed most of the 2015 season because of a damaged tendon in his left foot and a broken rib.

Johnson said missing so much time was tough to swallow because he couldn’t help the Nationals get out of their funk during the season. But his injury issues last year didn’t stop Washington from asking Johnson to return to the team on a Minor League deal. The offer came a week before the 2015 season ended. Read full article here.

Nationals at the heart of the order must start using their heads

(Thomas Boswell, MLB.com)

Take a couple of days off. Don’t work so hard. Knock off early.

Those are words that many of us, dedicated to work and defined by it, too, dread to hear. That includes most pro athletes. From childhood, they’ve looked in the mirror and asked, “Is anybody outhustling me?” Play with pain? Of course.

But in baseball, a time comes to maximize what’s left to give. That trimming of sail, in the name of wisdom, can feel tougher than hard work. Read full article here.

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