Washington Nationals: Tanner Roark Impresses In Debut
By Ron Juckett
Three great innings gets Tanner Roark on the right foot for the Washington Nationals. Plenty of positives to take after a late loss to St. Louis.
Tanner Roark’s first game this spring for the Washington Nationals was nearly flawless.
As he builds arm strength for his start next weekend in the World Baseball Classic—reportedly March 11 against the Dominican Republic—Roark pitched three gem innings Monday afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals.
After a 17-pitch first, Roark settled in to toss 20 over the next two. He struck out four, walked none and scattered two hits. Without allowing a run, he pitched as well as you can the first time out. He hit his spots, worked out of trouble and was efficient.
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You cannot ask for a better start then that. Roark will get one more game before he leaves for Team USA. Presumably, he will throw more pitches as he builds for the WBC.
Roark said he's scheduled to make his WBC start on March 11. He wasn't sure against which team. Turns out it's the DR.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 27, 2017
When he takes the hill in Miami, Roark will be on a 65-pitch limit. Expect him to get a rare four-inning stint this weekend to get him in around 60 pitches. The first real front line starter to go more than an inning, he aced his first Florida test.
Other observations from a 5-4 loss in Jupiter to the Cardinals:
–Although Andrew Stevenson will not make the roster starting the year, the way he is handling top-level minor league pitching so far is a sight to behold. Playing center field after Adam Eaton today, he went 2-for-2 and raised his spring average to .429.
Yes, it is only the third game, but Stevenson is making the most of his chance in front of the Nats coaching staff. As rumors go around there is an interest in Angel Pagan on a minor-league deal, Stevenson’s impressive audition is turning heads, including Dusty Baker’s:
Dusty today said two players have stood out beyond the regulars so far: Andrew Stevenson and former All-Met Brandon Snyder.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 28, 2017
Same can be said for Brandon Snyder—who drove home two on Monday—and Jhonatan Solano. The catcher had two hits, boosting his early spring average to .750. Not given any real chance to make the final club, Solano gives added minor-league depth in a position where there is a trade surplus.
–If you are concerned with the end game pitching for the Nats, do not be. Roark was the only pitcher used Monday with a major-league contract. We have yet to see most of the presumed bullpen pitch yet. With the first home game coming, and Matt Wieters working up to game speed, expect to see Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen soon.
–Non-roster invitee Neal Cotts pitched a clean sixth. Although there is no official pitch count, he faced the minimum three batters with ease. With so many pitchers auditioning for roles, his good inning gives him something to build on for next time.
–The Nats and Astros finally open the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches Tuesday afternoon. It is MASN’s and 106.7 The Fan’s spring debut too. Jeremy Guthrie gets the start for Washington.