Washington Nationals News: Dusty Baker likely seeking righty for final bench spot

Today’s District Daily has more on the Washington Nationals’ bench and what might be next for Lucas Giolito, who was sent to minor league camp yesterday.

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 what the Nationals’ bench might look like on Opening Day. As Ladson notes, the Nationals’ bench looks all but set with Stephen Drew, Jose Lobaton, Michael Taylor and Clint Robinson, with one more spot remaining up for grabs this spring.

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Baker has yet to decide who might fill that spot, but the most likely scenario is that it will be a right-handed batter. As Ladson notes, the Nationals’ bench is already very left-handed heavy and needs a righty to be balanced. The next few days should tell us who that last bench player might be.

Also in today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s James Wagner discusses Lucas Giolito being sent to minor league camp, including some interesting comments from General Manager Mike Rizzo, who is confident that the team’s top prospect is close to being big-league ready.

Here’s what Rizzo had to say about Giolito, via Wagner’s article:

"“He’s close to being big-league ready,” Rizzo said. “I think he has to work on some of the small nuances of pitching. I think the bulk of his developmental curve is complete. But he needs to work on the smaller, little details of preparation, participation and performance in trying to get major-league hitters out.”"

In other Nationals news, the team reportedly placed utility player Tyler Moore on waivers yesterday, according to a tweet by Wagner. Moore is currently fighting for a bench spot on the Opening Day roster and has no minor league options remaining in his contract.

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.

Baker likely seeking righty for final bench spot

(Bill Ladson, MLB.com)

VIERA, Fla. — Nationals manager Dusty Baker said the toughest decision will be to fill the final spot on the bench. It’s a given that Stephen Drew, Jose Lobaton, Michael Taylor and Clint Robinson are going to start the season as reserves. The final spot is another story, however. In fact, on Thursday morning, Baker and his coaching staff were talking about that last spot.

Players such as Tony Campana, Brendan Ryan, Scott Sizemore, Reed Johnson, Chris Heisey and Matt den Dekker are candidates for the final spot on the bench. All are capable players. The way the bench is shaping up, the Nationals have too many lefty hitters on the bench. In order to achieve balance, it would appear the last spot will be a right-handed hitter. Read full article here.

Lucas Giolito sent to minor league camp: ‘He’s close to being big-league ready’

(James Wagner, Washington Post)

VIERA, Fla. — Entering his first major league spring training, Lucas Giolito thought he would be among the first cuts because of his inexperience. The organization’s top prospect has made only eight starts above Class A. At 21, the right-handed starter was the youngest player in camp. But the Nationals kept Giolito in camp until a week before the Grapefruit League schedule ended, dispatching him to minor league camp before Wednesday’s game.

Next: Michael Taylor Continues to Impress in 8-2 Win Over Cardinals

“Coming up here, my main goals were to make an impression and just try to soak up everything I could,” he said. “… They kept me around, which I’m really appreciative of. I’m just going to keep working hard and take everything I learned with [pitching coach] Mike [Maddux] and talking to the other pitchers and everything, and hopefully make an impact soon.” Read full article here.