Washington Nationals Player News: Last 24 hours, All Positions
Yan
Gomes
WSH
Rotowire:
Feb 15, 1:15p ET
News: Manager Dave Martinez said he plans to split catching duties between Gomes and Kurt Suzuki, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.
Impact: Gomes was traded from the Indians to the Nationals in late November, shortly after the team signed Suzuki. Gomes slashed .266/.313/.449 with 16 home runs in 435 plate appearances last season, but Suzuki has been similarly impressive at the plate over the last two seasons. Gomes should still come out ahead in terms of playing time due to his age and superior defense, but it appears as though he won't begin the season in a traditional everyday role.
Joe
Ross
WSH
Rotowire:
Feb 15, 1:05p ET
News: Ross starts spring training behind Jeremy Hellickson in the battle for the Nationals' fifth starter job and is expected to open in the minors, Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic reports.
Impact: Ross returned from Tommy John surgery to make three starts last season but didn't post impressive numbers, striking out just seven batters while allowing nine earned runs in 16 innings. He could crack the roster in a long-relief role but is more likely to open the year in the rotation at Triple-A Fresno.
Kurt
Suzuki
WSH
Rotowire:
Feb 15, 1:03p ET
News: Manager Dave Martinez plans to split catching duties between Suzuki and Yan Gomes, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.
Impact: Suzuki signed with the Nationals in mid-November, less than two weeks before the team acquired Gomes from the Indians. Suzuki found plenty of success splitting time in Atlanta the past two seasons, as he posted a 116 wRC+. Gomes seems likely to come out ahead in terms of playing time due to his age and defense, but the 35-year-old Suzuki should remain involved if his success at the plate continues.
Erick
Fedde
WSH
Rotowire:
Feb 15, 1:02p ET
News: Fedde is not the favorite for the Nationals' fifth starter role and will likely open in the minors, Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic reports.
Impact: Fedde is behind Jeremy Hellickson in the job battle, which makes sense as the veteran's 3.45 ERA last season far outpaced Fedde's 5.54 mark. Fedde could still crack the roster as a long reliever but is more likely to open in the rotation at Triple-A Fresno.
Rotowire:
Feb 15, 12:57p ET
News: Hellickson has the inside track on the Nationals' fifth starter spot, Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic reports.
Impact: The veteran appears to have the inside track over Erick Fedde and Joe Ross, both of whom are likely to open the season in the minors. Hellickson cut his ERA by nearly two runs last season, finishing with a 3.45 mark, but his peripherals trailed his results considerably. His 17.6 percent strikeout rate limits his upside.