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Washington Nationals News: Tanner Roark To Start 2016 Spring Training Opener

By Ricky Keeler

Feb 23, 2016; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tanner Roark (57) works out at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Tanner Roark (57) works out at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Nationals have named their starter for tomorrow’s spring training opener against the Rays

After two consecutive days of intrasquad games on Sunday and Monday, the Washington Nationals will begin their spring training schedule tomorrow afternoon in Port Charlotte, Florida when they take on the Tampa Bay Rays (1:05 PM ET) While the game won’t be on TV, you can listen to the game on MLB.com. Today, James Wagner of the Washington Post tweeted that Tanner Roark will be the starter for the Nationals. He will go up against Jake Odorizzi for the Rays. Odorizzi went 9-9 with a 3.35 ERA in 28 starts for Tampa Bay last season.

For Roark, this is his first opportunity to make a good impression on new manager Dusty Baker as he is likely to be back in the starting rotation this season after being in the bullpen last season because of the Max Scherzer signing. Back in 2014, the 29-year-old right-hander went 15-10 with a 2.85 ERA over the course of 31 starts.

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However, Roark will not have many of the regulars behind him on defense. Earlier today, William Ladson of MLB.com tweeted out the Nats’ starting lineup for tomorrow afternoon’s game:

As for who will not be in the lineup, Baker told the media today that some of the regulars, including reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper, will likely be in the lineup Thursday afternoon when the Nats have their first spring home game in Viera against the defining NL East champion New York Mets (1:05 PM ET, NO TV):

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Even though most of the regulars won’t be in the lineup, it will be interesting to see how Trea Turner does in his first spring game with the Nationals out of the leadoff spot. Turner is looking to try to win the starting shortstop job from Danny Espinosa now that Ian Desmond is in Texas. Plus, Baker does have speed at the top of the order with Turner and Wilmer Difo in the top two spots of the batting order tomorrow.

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Early on in the spring, the pitchers are usually ahead of the hitters. While most of the regulars won’t be in the lineup tomorrow, it still is a good thing that baseball games are back, albeit exhibition games.

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