MARCH 23 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM
Nationals make Opening Day decision on ex-Orioles reliever who posted 1.40 ERA in 2022 | Sporting News This adds an experienced hard thrower to the bullpen mix.
Luis Vázquez - Out with broken thumb Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said Monday that Vazquez has been diagnosed with a broken right thumb, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
Impact An X-ray confirmed the thumb fracture, which Vazquez suffered when he was hit by a pitch in Sunday's game against the Nationals. Vazquez also required stitches to seal a wound on his hand. A timeline for Vazquez's return will likely depend on whether or not he requires surgery, but regardless, the thumb injury removes the 26-year-old from consideration for a reserve infield role on the Orioles' Opening Day roster. Vazquez is expected to open the season on Triple-A Norfolk's injured list.
MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE
Orlando Ribalta - Opening season in minors The Nationals optioned Ribalta to Triple-A Rochester on Monday.
Impact Ribalta was one of the Nationals' better relievers in spring training, striking out six over 7.1 innings across seven Grapefruit League appearances while permitting one earned run on five hits and two walks. However, the 28-year-old righty has fared far worse in parts of two seasons in the big leagues (7.81 ERA, 2.06 WHIP in 27.2 innings), and that poor track record was likely a factor in him failing to make the Opening Day roster.
MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE
Christian Franklin - Falls short of Opening Day roster The Nationals optioned Franklin to Triple-A Rochester on Monday.
Impact Franklin has yet to make his MLB debut, but he appeared to have a decent shot at being included on the Nationals' Opening Day roster after Washington had optioned fellow outfielders Robert Hassell and Dylan Crews to the minors in recent days. Ultimately, Franklin will wind up joining Hassell and Crews in Rochester, where all three should get the chance to play on a near-everyday basis. Franklin spent the entire 2025 season at the Triple-A level, slashing .272/.390/.427 with 12 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 117 games between the Cubs' and Nationals' top affiliates.
MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE
Cole Henry - Wrapping up solid spring Henry has posted a 3.86 ERA and 6:3 K:BB over 4.2 Grapefruit League innings this spring.
Impact The 26-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut in 2025, producing a 4.27 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 52:32 K:BB over 52.2 innings. Despite those pedestrian numbers, Henry is expected to fill a high-leverage role in the Nationals' bullpen to begin the 2026 campaign, although he appears to be behind Clayton Beeter in the pecking order for save chances.
MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE
CJ Abrams - Heating up late in camp Abrams went 1-for-4 in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.
Impact The 25-year-old shortstop is batting a tepid .244 (10-for-41) this spring with zero homers and just one steal in two attempts, but Abrams appears to be finding a groove as the Grapefruit League schedule wraps up. He's hit safely in five straight games, going 6-for-15 (.400) with a double, a triple and a 1:2 BB:K during that stretch. This could be a critical campaign for Abrams, who has yet to fully capitalize on his athletic tools despite averaging 19 homers and 36.3 steals over the last three seasons.
MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE
Luis García Jr. - Spring struggles continue Sunday Garcia went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.
Impact Getting the start at first base and batting third, Garcia continued to flail away at the plate. The 25-year-old homered in his spring debut Feb. 27 after missing the early part of the Grapefruit League schedule due to a hamstring strain, but through 12 games in March he's gone just 3-for-34 (.088) with zero extra-base hits and a 1:8 BB:K. Garcia is set to be an everyday player for the Nationals to begin the season, splitting time between second base and first base, but if his struggles carry over into the regular season, it could open the door for Nasim Nunez to cut into his playing time at the keystone. Over the last two seasons, Garcia has slashed .267/.304/.428 with 34 homers and 36 steals in 279 games.
MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE
