Spring Training Game 11: Washington Nationals 3, Philadelphia Phillies 6

Well, it wasn’t exactly a banner day for the Washington Nationals offense, but that’s what happens when you send one regular into a game against a rejuvenated Roy Halladay. Even with Stephen Strasburg pretty good for the Nationals, the offense couldn’t get anything going.

Mar 6, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) before a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Strasburg again gave up some runs but said the conditions weren’t ideal. He did register six strikeouts against a lineup with several Philadelphia Phillies regulars and was able to mix up his stuff very well and locate his fastball. Strasburg doesn’t have great run prevention numbers so far, but spring training statistics are meaningless. His stuff is getting better with every start.

Anthony Rendon hit another home run and I am believing more and more that he will be up before September this year. He can now play three infield positions and if his bat proves itself to be major league ready, I don’t doubt that Davey Johnson will get him onto the bench and use him to rest the regular infield starters and start him between 2-4 times per week.

My main attraction this spring, Carlos Rivero, had another two hit game and his audition for the 30 Major League teams continues to go well. And I am sure that he doesn’t get caught stealing if the hit and run pitch didn’t go over Jhonatan Solano‘s head.

Micah Owings got a hit and an RBI later in the game, as he tries to get a spot on a minor league roster in his transition to a position player. In the bullpen, Fernando Abad and Cole Kimball struggled and Yunesky Maya once again looked good, striking out two in an inning of work.

All in all, Johnson got a look at some bench players in an opportunity to give a rest to most of the starters. Most of them should be back in today’s game against the Houston Astros.