Washington Nationals: 3 keys for end of Spring Training

By Ron Juckett | Mar 16, 2018

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Michael Taylor #3 of the Washington Nationals is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run to win the game against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Nationals defeated the Astros 4-3. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

washington nationals /

PLAY EATON AND ZIM

Although we are told Adam Eaton and Ryan Zimmerman are healthy and ready to go, the pair have had two at-bats in official games. Zimmerman has them both. The same number of at bats as Scherzer.

At some point they must play.

Okay, Eaton is recovering from his ACL repair on the back fields getting into as many minor-league games as possible. But, he needs to have the practice of hitting top-level pitching. A few whole games in his new position of left field would help too.

Zimmerman, as far as we know, is healthy. His continued absences are now heading into the strange category. Yeah, watching Marmolejos and Dominguez is fun. However, they are destined for Syracuse and not Washington.

You would think Martinez wants to see his entire lineup, sans Daniel Murphy, so he can tweak his offense accordingly. Once Michael Taylor recovers from his side injury, everyone should be healthy that will play on Opening Day.

With Washington’s history of hiding injuries, you fear the worst. But, allegedly, Eaton was close to ready last year if the Nats made the World Series. Even with the understanding of easing players into the season, his lack of playing time is head scratching.

Home/Nationals News