Yepez promoted, Meneses to Red Wings

The Washington Nationals selected the contract of first baseman Juan Yepez from Triple-A Rochester on Friday after optioning first baseman Joey Meneses to Triple-A Rochester following the game on Thursday. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Josiah Gray was transferred to the 60-day Injured List. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

Yepez, 26, has hit .263 with 15 doubles, 11 homers, 41 RBI, 40 walks, three stolen bases and 38 runs scored in 74 games for the Red Wings this season. He ranked third among Nationals Minor Leaguers in OPS (.795), tied for third in extra-base hits (26) and walks (40), fourth in home runs (11) and slugging percentage (.438).

Yepez joins the Nationals after hitting .371 (23-for-62) with a .435 on-base percentage (7 BB) and a .565 slugging percentage (3 2B, 3 HR) in his last 16 games with Rochester. He hit safely in 15 of the 16 contests, including six multi-hit efforts.

The right-handed hitting Yepez performed well against right-handed pitching this season, with 13 of his 15 doubles and nine of his 11 home runs coming against right-handed pitchers. He walked (35) more than he struck out (34) in 255 plate appearances against righties.

Yepez hit .240 with 14 doubles, 14 home runs, 32 RBI, 20 walks and 32 runs scored in 104 Major League games across two seasons (2022-23) with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a non-roster invitee to 2024 Spring Training with the Nationals after spending the previous seven seasons in the Cardinals’ organization. Yepez was their co-Minor League Player of the Year in 2021 after leading the organization in homers (27), RBI (77), slugging percentage (.586), OPS (.969), doubles (29) and extra-base hits (56).

Nats select contract of top prospect Wood

Washington Nationals top prospect, outfielder James Wood, is set to make his Major League debut tonight against the New York Mets, as the organization today announced the selection of his contract. In a corresponding move, Washington designated outfielder Eddie Rosario for assignment. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

The No. 3 prospect in all of baseball, according to Baseball America, Wood leads Washington’s Minor League system and ranks among all Minor League hitters in batting average (2nd, .353), on-base percentage (2nd, .463), OPS (2nd, 1.058) and slugging percentage (9th, .595). He hit .353 with 16 doubles, 10 home runs, 37 RBI, 40 walks, 10 stolen bases and 44 runs scored in 52 games for Triple-A Rochester this year. According to Baseball America, he is the “Best Power Hitter” and the “Best Defensive Outfielder” in Washington’s Minor League system.

The 21-year-old reached base safely in 34 straight games from April 20 to June 27, the longest active streak in Minor League Baseball at the time and tied for the fourth-longest streak in the Minors this season. During the streak, Wood hit .367/.476/.625 with seven doubles, eight homers, 27 RBI, 26 walks, 24 strikeouts, five stolen bases and 26 runs scored. He also posted a 30-game on-base streak in 2023, making him the only player in Major or Minor League Baseball to reach safely in at least 30 straight games in both 2023 and 2024.

A native of Olney, Maryland, Wood was named the International League Player of the Week on May 13 after going 10-for-22 (.455) with a double and five home runs. He later earned Player of the Month honors after slashing .394/.506/.746 with four doubles, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 17 walks and 18 runs scored during the month of May.

The six-foot-seven, 234-pound left-handed hitting outfielder has recorded a career-high three multi-home run games this season after entering the year with just one in his professional career. On April 11 at Buffalo (TOR), he hit two home runs as a part of a season-high four-hit effort. Then, in the span of four days, he recorded two more multi-homer games, May 8 and May 11, at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (NYY).

Nationals select Ramírez, Lipscomb to Rochester

The Washington Nationals selected the contract of outfielder Harold Ramírez and optioned infielder Trey Lipscomb to Triple-A Rochester on Monday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. 

Ramírez, 29, set career highs in hits (125), home runs (12), RBI (68), walks (22), runs (58), steals (5), batting average (.313), on base percentage (353), slugging percentage (.460) and OPS (.813) for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023.

Ramírez leads all of Major League Baseball with a .339 batting average against left-handed pitchers since 2020. In 2023, he led the American League and was second in Major League Baseball (min. 100 AB) with a .387 batting average against left-handed pitching. He also went 11-for-21 (.524) and led Major League Baseball with 10 RBI as a pinch hitter in 2023.

The Cartagena, Colombia, native signed with the Nationals as a Minor League free agent on June 15 and reported to Triple-A Rochester after having hit .268 with three doubles, a homer, 13 RBI, three walks, five stolen bases and 21 runs scored for Tampa Bay this season. In seven games for the Red Wings, Ramírez hit .375 (9-for-24) with a double, four RBI, six walks and a run scored. He had multi-hit performances in four of the seven games.

A veteran of six Major League seasons with Miami (2019-20), Cleveland (2021) and Tampa Bay (2022-24), Ramirez is a career .287 hitter with 87 doubles, six triples, 37 home runs, 231 RBI, 77 walks, 18 stolen bases and 214 runs scored in 511 games. 

Former closer Cordero joins Nationals Youth Baseball Academy staff

Chad Cordero, the Washington Nationals career saves leader, has joined the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy as a full-time HUSTLE baseball and Nationals Nike RBI coach. In this role, Cordero will coach and mentor young Scholar Athletes through competitive game play to prepare them for the high school level and develop those looking to pursue their careers at the collegiate level and beyond. Celebrating 10 years of community involvement, the Youth Baseball Academy is the signature program of Nationals Philanthropies, the official charitable arm of the Washington Nationals.

Affectionately known to fans as “Chief,” Cordero pitched for the Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals from 2003-2008. He earned the National League Reliever of the Year Award in 2005 and holds the team record (2005-pres.) with 113 career saves. An organizational staple, he was involved in some of the team’s biggest moments, including making an appearance in the team’s first win, earning the team’s first save and earning the save in the team’s first home game, among many other accomplishments. Throughout his playing days and in his post-playing career as a coach, he has continued to advocate for expanding access to the game of baseball, especially among underrepresented groups. 

“I am so excited to return to Washington, D.C., a truly special place that holds some of my fondest memories both on and off the field. It feels like coming home,” Cordero said. “It has been my continued mission to make an impact in the community and to grow the game in underserved areas, which Nationals Philanthropies has successfully done now for over a decade. I’m looking forward to coaching the incredible Scholar Athletes at the Academy and helping elevate their talents to the next level.”

The Youth Baseball Academy has delivered 10 years of holistic youth development, academic enrichment, wellness education and youth sports experiences to thousands of school-age children living east of the Anacostia River. Cordero will serve as a coach of the Academy’s HUSTLE and Nationals Nike RBI programs. The HUSTLE program uses competitive baseball and softball experiences to promote character development and an active lifestyle – instilling the values of leadership, accountability, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence. The Nationals Nike RBI charter, which the Academy took on earlier this year, provides a summer baseball experience for high school-aged players that includes training, competition, and community service. Both programs provide free travel baseball and softball experiences to athletes and their families in underserved areas, removing the typical pay-to-play barrier of competitive athletics. Select players from Academy programs and local RBI affiliates represent the Academy throughout a full summer season of competition including trips to MLB tournaments like the Commissioner’s Cup and RBI Regional Tournament.

To learn more about Nationals Philanthropies and the Youth Baseball Academy programming, please visit nats4good.org. 

Thomas activated, Robles DFA'd

The Washington Nationals returned from rehabilitation assignment and reinstated outfielder Lane Thomas from the 10-day Injured List and designated Victor Robles for assignment on Monday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Thomas, 28, hit .308 (4-for-13) with two doubles, two RBI, three walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored in four rehab games with Double-A Harrisburg.

Thomas returns to the active roster after missing 29 games with a left MCL sprain. Despite missing over a month, he still ranks ninth in the National League with his 11 stolen bases. Thomas hit .184 with two home runs, 10 RBI, eight walks, 11 stolen bases and six runs scored in 22 games for the Nationals prior to being placed on the Injured List on April 24.

Robles, 27, hit .120 with two RBI, five walks, four stolen bases and three runs scored in 14 games with Washington this season.

Please see the attached documents for the updated 26-man roster and 40-man roster.

Rosario NL Player of the Week

After leading Major League Baseball in OPS (1.733), slugging percentage (1.133) and on-base percentage (.600) this week, Nationals outfielder Eddie Rosario has been named National League Player of the Week. The announcement was made this afternoon on MLB Network.

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Rosario went 7-for-15 (.467) with a double, three homers, five RBI, five walks, three stolen bases and seven runs scored during the week. He hit safely in all five games, including two multi-hit efforts. He reached base safely in 12 of 20 plate appearances along the way.

Beyond this week, Rosario leads Major League Baseball in OPS (1.616) and slugging percentage (1.045) and is tied for the National League lead with four home runs since May 4. He has hit safely in seven straight games, going 10-for-22 (.455) with a double, four homers, seven RBI, six walks, four stolen bases and 10 runs scored during the streak.

This marks Rosario’s third career Player of the Week award (Aug. 2023 and Aug. 2017) and the first award won by a Nationals player this season.

Garcia, Robles back from IL; Call to Rochester; Matt Barnes DFA

The Washington Nationals made the following roster moves on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

  *   Returned left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia from rehab assignment and reinstated him from the Injured List
  *   Returned outfielder Victor Robles from rehab assignment and reinstated him from the Injured List
  *   Optioned outfielder Alex Call to Triple-A Rochester
  *   Designated right-handed pitcher Matt Barnes for assignment.

Garcia, 27, returns after missing 14 games with Influenza. In one rehab game with Single-A Fredericksburg, he struck out four without allowing a baserunner in 2.0 innings. Before his IL stint, Garcia was tied for ninth among National League relievers with 13 strikeouts, doing so in just 8.1 innings. He also stranded all five runners he inherited this season. In his career, Garcia has allowed just three extra base hits to left-handed hitters in 68 plate appearances.

Robles, 26, returns after missing 29 games with a left hamstring strain. In six rehab games with Triple-A Rochester, he hit .350 (7-for-20) with a double, a triple, three RBI, three walks, a stolen base and four runs scored. Robles played in four games before his injury, going 0-for-2 with three walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored. Robles hit .299 with five doubles, a triple, eight RBI, 11 walks, eight stolen bases and 15 runs scored in 36 games in 2023.

Call, 29, hit .313 with a double, an RBI, three walks, a stolen base and six runs scored in seven games.

Barnes, 33, recorded a 6.75 ERA (10 ER/13.1 IP) with 10 strikeouts and four walks in 14 games.

Nationals recall Lipscomb as Thomas goes on IL

The Washington Nationals recalled infielder Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester and placed outfielder Lane Thomas on the 10-day Injured List with a sprain of the left MCL on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Lipscomb, 23, returns to the Nationals after being optioned to Rochester on April 15. He hit .224 with one homer, four RBI, three walks, four stolen bases and seven runs scored in 14 games during his first stint with Washington from March 30 to April 14. In four games with Rochester, Lipscomb went 4-for-16 (.250) with two RBI while playing both second base (2 G) and third base (2 G).

Lipscomb made his Major League debut on March 30 at Cincinnati and became the first player in Nationals history (2005-pres.) to record a hit and a stolen base in his Major League debut. He hit his first career home run the following day, a go-ahead solo shot in the seventh inning.

Thomas, 28, hit .184 with two homers, 10 RBI, eight walks, 11 stolen bases and six runs scored in 22 games before sustaining the injury on Tuesday night. He ranks third in Major League Baseball with 11 stolen bases.

Nationals recall Willingham

The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Amos Willingham from Triple-A Rochester on Friday and optioned catcher Drew Millas to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Willingham, 25, made his Major League debut on June 28, 2023, at Seattle after his contract was selected on June 26. He enjoyed four stints with the big league club in his rookie season and finished his first campaign strong, posting a 3.48 ERA (4 ER/10.1 IP) in five outings during the month of September, including 3.0 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and no walks on Sept. 2 vs. Miami.

The Rome, Ga., native went 5-1 with five saves and a 2.02 ERA in 28 games between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester last season and struck out 36 in 35.2 innings of work.

Willingham started the 2024 season with Triple-A Rochester, where he held opponents hitless in his first 3.1 innings of work, striking out two. In all, he was 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA (3 ER / 5.0 IP) in three games for the Red Wings this season.

Millas, 26, went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in one game with Washington this season.

Highlights for homestand vs. Pirates and Phillies April 1-7

After beginning the 2024 season with a weekend series in Cincinnati, the Washington Nationals open their home schedule with a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by a three-game set vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. The first homestand of the season features several fun promotions and events for fans of all ages, including an Opening Day reversible bucket hat giveaway, the first of six Pups in the Park Days, National Guard Day, two College Day Series games and Girl Scout Day. Today’s game is officially sold out, but standing room tickets are still available on nats.com/Tickets at and the box office.

 

The Nationals will start their home campaign on Monday, April 1, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET and gates will be open to fans at 2:00 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on MASN and broadcast on radio at 106.7 The Fan FM and in Spanish on DC 87.7 FM and La Pantera 100.7 FM/1220 AM.

 

If you would like to cover any events at Nationals Park, please contact Gabrielle Scheder-Bieschin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Devon Bridges at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for credentialing information in advance of the event.

Nationals announce 2024 Opening Day roster

 

The Washington Nationals announced their 2024 Opening Day roster and corresponding moves on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

 Selected the contracts of right-handed pitchers Matt Barnes and Derek Law as well as outfielders Eddie Rosario and Jesse Winker.

  • Placed right-handed pitchers Cade Cavalli (Tommy John Surgery), Mason Thompson (Tommy John Surgery) and Stephen Strasburg (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome) as well as left-handed pitcher Jose A. Ferrer (left lat strain) on the 60-day Injured List.
  • Placed outfielder Stone Garrett (recovery from left ankle reconstruction surgery) on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to March 25). 

Barnes, 33, joins the Nationals after a strong Spring Training in which he retired 14 of the 15 batters he faced across five outings. He struck out five batters without issuing a walk along the way. Barnes has converted 47 saves and struck out 11.44 batters per 9.0 innings across 453 Major League appearances. Prior to his 2023 season in Miami, Barnes spent nine seasons (2014-22) with the Boston Red Sox where he was an American League All-Star in 2021 and key member of their bullpen en route to winning the 2018 World Series. His five seasons (2016-19, 2021) of at least 60 appearances are the most in Boston Red Sox history. During that 2021 All-Star season, he recorded a career-high 24 saves and struck out 84 batters in 54.2 innings pitched.

Law, 33, is coming off a strong 2023 season in which he Led the National League and ranked third in Major League Baseball by allowing only 7.7% of inherited runners to score (2-for-26) in his first full season with the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched to a 3.60 ERA – his best since his rookie year in 2016 (2.13) – in 54 games. Law struck out 12 batters, allowed just three hits (.100 opp. AVG) and did not allow an earned run in in 9.1 innings during Spring Training.

Nationals will open spring training season Saturday

The Washington Nationals open their 2024 Spring Training season against the Houston Astros at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Fla.

To celebrate the ballpark’s first game under its new name, GRAMMY®-nominated artist Travis Scott, founder of CACTI Hard Seltzer, will throw the game’s ceremonial first pitch and participate in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. Additionally, the first 2,500 fans will receive complimentary t-shirts commemorating the day.

Tickets for all Spring Training games, including Saturday’s, are available at nats.com/Spring.

The game’s home radio broadcast will also be streamed live on nats.com with Dave Jageler and Charlie Slowes on the call. The game will also be televised on delay, airing later that night at 10:00 p.m. on MLB Network with no blackout restrictions. The full Nationals Spring Training TV and radio schedule is available at nats.com/Spring.

One day after the opener, the Nationals travel to Jupiter to visit the Miami Marlins at 1:05 p.m., followed by the season premiere of “Nats Spring Training Live!” at 7:00 p.m. from Duffy’s Sports Grill on Clematis St. in downtown West Palm Beach. Sunday’s edition will feature special guests, including outfielder Stone Garrett, alongside Jageler and Slowes. The show airs live on 106.7 The Fan and is free to attend.

Nationals announce player development staff

The Washington Nationals announced their 2024 Player Development staff on Friday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Player Development and Administration Eddie Longosz made the joint announcement.

New Staff Members

  • Rigo Beltrán will serve as Harrisburg’s pitching coach after spending the 2023 season as the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen coach. He moved to that role after four seasons (2019-22) between Triple-A Columbus and Cleveland’s Alternate Training Site. During that time, 19 pitchers made their Major League debuts after being called up from one of the two affiliates. Beltrán spent the 2018 season as the pitching coach for Double-A Akron after three seasons (2015-17) with High-A Lynchburg. Beltrán appeared in 78 Major League games across five seasons with Montreal (2004), Colorado (1999-00), New York Mets (1998-99) and St. Louis (1997). He was selected in the 26th round of the 1991 June Amateur Draft out of the University of Wyoming.
  • Tommy Everidge, who spent the last two seasons as the hitting coach for the Oakland Athletics, will serve as Washington’s Minor League hitting coordinator. Prior to his role on the A’s Major League staff, he worked eight seasons in Oakland’s Minor League system. He began his coaching career as the hitting coach for short-season Single-A Vermont for two seasons (2014-15) before moving to Single-A Stockton (2016-17) and Double-A Midland (2018-20). He spent one season with Triple-A Las Vegas in 2021 before being promoted to the Major League staff in 2022. Everidge spent seven seasons in Oakland’s system as a player, eventually making his Major League debut in 2009. A native of Santa Rosa, California, Everidge was selected in the 10th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft from Sonoma State University.
  • Niomar Gomez joins the coaching ranks after a five-year professional career in Washington’s Minor League system. He appeared in 55 games (38 starts) from 2017 to 2023, going 7-12 with a 5.32 ERA and 180 strikeouts in 187.2 innings.
  • Mike Habas joins the organization after five seasons as a hitting coach in Milwaukee’s Minor League system. He spent the previous two seasons (2022-23) with the Arizona Complex League Brewers after starting his career as the Dominican Summer League hitting coach from 2019 to 2021. Habas joined the Brewers’ organization after two years (2017-18) as a coach for the Gary SouthShore RailCats. A native of Homewood, Illinois, Habas played collegiately at North Greenville University after stops at Moraine Valley Community College and South Suburban College.
  • Kylie Kain was promoted to Minor League Nutrition Coordinator after joining the organization in 2023 as the performance dietitian for Triple-A Rochester, the first ever female field staff member for the Red Wings. Kain was the owner of Kylie Kain Nutrition in Washington, D.C., a private practice to help clients and athletes reach health and performance goals, while also working as a part-time fitness coach. Kain earned both a Master and Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Physical Performance from St. Louis University. She earned her first degree in philosophy from Colgate University in 2014 where she was also a member of the lacrosse team.
  • Jeff Livesey returns to Double-A Harrisburg where his coaching career began in 1996 as the hitting coach for the Senators. He spent two seasons with Montreal’s Double-A affiliate before joining Pittsburgh’s organization in 1998. Prior to joining the Nationals, Livesey spent the last four seasons (2020-23) as Miami’s Minor League hitting coordinator. He was also Miami’s catching coordinator in 2023. He moved to the Minor League side after serving as their Major League assistant hitting coach in 2019. Prior to his time with the Marlins organization, Livesey spent 16 seasons (1998-2005, 2011-18) with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, including five seasons on their Major League staff from 2014-18. Between stints with the Pirates, Livesey worked in Japan as the bench coach for the Hiroshima Carp (2006-09) and the Rakuten Eagles (2010). Livesey played eight professional seasons in New York’s (AL) Minor League system before joining the coaching ranks in 1996.
  • Chris Prieto spent the previous two seasons (2022-23) as Tampa Bay’s first base coach. Prior to joining their Major League staff, he served as their Minor League outfield/baserunning coordinator in 2020 and 2021. Prieto joined Tampa’s organization after seven seasons with the Seattle Mariners, including six seasons on their Major League coaching staff. He was their third base coach in 2019, first base coach in 2018, special projects coach in 2017 and their quality assurance coach from 2014-16. Prieto joined the Major League staff after leading Rookie-level Pulaski to an Appalachian League title in 2013. He joined the coaching ranks in 2011 as a hitting coach for Single-A Eugene in San Diego’s system after a 13-year professional career that included a two-game stint with the Los Angeles Angels in 2005. Prieto graduated from Carmel (CA) High School and attended San Jose City College and the University of Nevada. He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 24th round of the 1993 June Amateur Draft.
  • Jason Wood joins the Nationals organization after spending the last four seasons (2020-23) with the San Francisco Giants as their Minor League infield coordinator. Prior to his time with the Giants, he worked 11 seasons (2008-19) in the Texas Rangers system, spending the last nine as a manager across various levels. In 2014, Wood was named the Texas League Manager of the Year after leading Double-A Frisco to a league-best 80 wins. In 2012 and 2013 as the manager of High-A Myrtle Beach, Baseball America cited Wood as the top managerial prospect in the Carolina League. Wood appeared in 153 games across five Major League seasons with Oakland (1998), Detroit (1998-99) and Florida (2006-08). Wood amassed 1,840 hits in 1,890 games across 17 Minor League seasons from 1991 to 2008.

Nationals announce 2024 spring training broadcast schedule

The Washington Nationals today announced the broadcast schedule for the eighth season of Nationals Spring Training in West Palm Beach, Fla. The Nationals open the Grapefruit League schedule at home at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches against the Houston Astros on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 6:05 p.m. Tickets for all games are available now at nats.com/Spring.

Fans not making the trip to Florida can catch the action on TV and radio, as Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), 106.7 The Fan, The Team 980, 1580 AM and nats.com combine to present 19 pre-season games. The Nationals Spring Training schedule features seven games televised on MASN and a combined 16 radio broadcasts.

Along with traditionally scheduled Grapefruit League games, fans will have opportunities to view top Nationals prospects during MLB’s Spring Breakout Series in Florida and during ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME in D.C. Nationals prospects will face up-and-comers from the New York Mets on Friday, March 15, as part of MLB’s inaugural Spring Breakout Series, beginning at 3:10 p.m. from Port St. Lucie and available via radio broadcast streamed live on nats.com. ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME will conclude the club’s 2024 exhibition season, showcasing top prospects from across the organization’s Minor League system alongside current Nationals Major Leaguers. First pitch for ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at Nationals Park and will be broadcast on MASN and 106. The Fan.

In addition to game programming, 106.7 The Fan will host four editions of “Nats Spring Training Live!”, the 60-minute talk show hosted by Nationals radio voices Dave Jageler and Charlie Slowes. “Nats Spring Training Live!” programs are free to attend and feature special guest appearances by Nationals players, coaches and personalities. The shows broadcast live on 106.7 The Fan from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, March 3 and March 10 from Duffy’s Sports Bar Clematis St., and on Saturday, March 16, from Duffy’s Village Blvd. The March 10 radio show will also stream live on nats.com

Fans will hear familiar voices throughout the Spring Training and regular seasons with the return of all five Nationals on-air broadcasters. MASN telecasts will feature color commentator Kevin Frandsen, while Bob Carpenter and Dan Kolko will split play-by-play duties. Jageler and Slowes will be on the call for all 16 radio broadcasts in addition to the “Nats Spring Training Live!” shows.

Nationals invite top prospects to big league camp

Highlighted by several of the organization’s top prospects, the Washington Nationals announced the following invitations to 2024 Major League Spring Training on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Top prospects including outfielders Dylan CrewsRobert Hassell III and James Wood, as well as infielders Darren BakerBrady House and Trey Lipscomb will each take part in their first Major League Spring Training. Outfielder Travis Blankenhorn, first basemen Lewin Diaz, Left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa, catcher Brady Lindsly and first baseman/outfielder Juan Yepez have also been invited to Major League Spring Training.

Crews, 22, is Washington’s top prospect and the No. 6 prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America. He will take part in his first Major League Spring Training after being selected No. 2 overall in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft. One of the most accomplished players in the history of college baseball, Crews enters the season as the “Best Hitter for Average” in Washington’s system, per Baseball America. He hit .292 with nine doubles, five homers, 29 RBI, 14 walks, four stolen bases and 26 runs scored in 35 games between the FCL Nationals, Single-A Fredericksburg and Double-A Harrisburg in his first professional season in 2023.

Hassell III, 22, is entering his second full season in Washington’s organization after being acquired at the 2022 Trade Deadline. He is the No. 7 prospect in the organization, according to Baseball America. Hassell III appeared in a career-high 121 games between Single-A Fredericksburg and Double-A Harrisburg in 2023, hitting .221 with a .324 on-base percentage, 16 doubles, two triples, nine homers, 41 RBI, 68 walks, 15 stolen bases and 66 runs scored along the way.

Wood, 21, is the No 2. prospect in the organization and the No. 11 prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America. Washington’s 2022 and 2023 Minor League Hitter of the Year, Wood led the organization in home runs (26), RBI (91) and slugging percentage (.520) and ranked second in OPS (.873), doubles (28) and triples (8) in 2023. He was selected to represent the Nationals in the 2023 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on the way to setting career marks in nearly every offensive category in 121 games between High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg. According to Baseball America, he is the “Best Power Hitter” and the “Best Defensive Outfielder” in Washington’s Minor League system.

Nationals select Nasim Nuñez in Rule 5 Draft

The Washington Nationals selected infielder Nasim Nuñez in the Major League phase of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Nuñez, 23, joins the organization after spending his first four professional seasons in the Miami Marlins system. He was set to enter the 2024 season as the No. 6 prospect in Miami’s system, according to Baseball America. He was also cited by Baseball America as having the “best strike-zone discipline,” being the “fastest baserunner,” the “best defensive infielder” and having the “best infield arm” among Marlins Minor Leaguers. Nuñez was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game as well as an Arizona Fall League Rising Star in 2023.

A switch-hitter, Nuñez led the Southern League and ranked tied for third in all of Double-A with 52 stolen bases and was fourth with 87 walks in 125 games with Double-A Pensacola in 2023. He also ranked among Southern League hitters in runs (T1st, 84), walks (3rd, 87) and hits (10th, 110). Nuñez finished the season batting .224 with 11 doubles, two triples, five homers, 43, RBI, 87 walks, 52 stolen bases and 84 runs scored. He appeared in 95 games at shortstop, 29 games at second base and two games as the designated hitter.

In 2022, Nuñez ranked tied for third in all of Minor League Baseball with 70 stolen bases. He has 155 career stolen bases since the start of the 2019 season, fifth-most all of Minor League Baseball over this span.

Nuñez was rated the best defensive shortstop in the 2019 First-Year Player Draft by MLB.com. He was selected by the Marlins in the second round out of Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia.

Washingon's top prospects take center stage at Nationals Futures Game

The next generation of Washington Nationals stars will take center stage in ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME on Tuesday, March 26, at 12:05 p.m. at Nationals Park. Serving as the exciting start to an Opening Week full of celebrations, this exhibition contest will showcase top prospects from across the organization’s Minor League system with current Nationals Major Leaguers in front of the hometown crowd.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the continued support of our fans in D.C., and we can’t wait for them to get a look at some of the players who will make up our next championship-caliber roster,” said Nationals President of Baseball Operations & General Manager Mike Rizzo. “Players like James Wood, Dylan Crews, Brady House and Robert Hassell have certainly received a lot of attention, and I know that once our fans have the chance to see a full lineup of the young guys in our system, there will be even more of reason to be optimistic about where we’re headed.”

ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME takes place less than a week before the Nationals open the 2024 home season, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, April 1, at 4:05 p.m. Single-game tickets go on sale in early December, and the 2024 Nationals Promotional Calendar will be announced next week. Fans can sign up for the free Nationals Fan Club at nats.com/FanClub to receive early access, insider information and additional offers.

Players participating in ON DECK: NATIONALS FUTURES GAME will be announced in March.

Nationals add four to 40-man roster

The Washington Nationals made the following roster moves on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

  • Selected the contracts of right-handed pitcher Zach Brzykcy, right-handed pitcher Cole Henry, left-handed pitcher DJ Herz and left-handed pitcher Mitchell Parker.
  • Designated right-handed pitcher Cory Abbott and first baseman Dominic Smith for assignment.
  • Requested Unconditional Release Waivers for right-handed pitcher Andrés Machado to pursue an opportunity in Japan.

Brzykcy (BRICK-see), 24, took part in his first Major League Spring Training in 2023 after a breakout campaign the previous year in which he went 8-2 with 14 saves and a 1.76 ERA in 51 games across three levels of Washington’s system. The hard-throwing reliever ranked second in the organization with 14 saves and ranked among all Minor League pitchers (min. 60.0 IP) in opponents’ batting average (3rd, .157), ERA (5th, 1.76) and strikeouts per 9.0 innings (14th, 13.94). Brzykcy was the only pitcher in all of Minor League Baseball with at least 14 saves and at least eight wins in 2022.

Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Virginia Tech following the 2020 First-Year Player Draft, Brzykcy missed the 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April.

Henry, 24, has pitched to a 3.29 ERA, a .189 opponents’ batting average, 1.02 walks/hits per inning pitched and 11.30 strikeouts per 9.0 innings in 34 games across three professional seasons. He has recorded 141 strikeouts with 39 walks in 112.0 innings pitched since making his debut in 2021. Henry was selected in the second round of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft out of Louisiana State University.

Herz, 22, went 3-3 with a 3.43 ERA in 22 starts between Double-A Tennessee and Double-A Harrisburg in 2023. He ranked third in all of Double-A and 13th in all of Minor League Baseball (min. 90.0 IP) with a .196 opponents’ batting average. His 133 strikeouts in 94.1 innings pitched ranked second among all Double-A left-handed pitchers. He was acquired by the Nationals along with shortstop Kevin Made from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Jeimer Candelario on July 31, 2023.

Nationals announce 2024 home game times

The Washington Nationals today announced the start times for the team’s 2024 home games, highlighted by an earlier first pitch for evening contests. Evening games will now begin at 6:45 p.m., while the majority of day games will remain at 1:05 p.m., 1:35 p.m. or 4:05 p.m. The Nationals once again host their traditional Fourth of July game at 11:05 a.m., this season taking on division-rival New York Mets. 

“Our goal is always to deliver a top-tier ballpark experience to our fans, and that includes making sure that attending a game at Nationals Park is as convenient as possible,” said Alan H. Gottlieb, Chief Operating Officer, Lerner Sports Group. “Starting our evening games 20 minutes earlier, combined with MLB rules that have significantly shortened game times, makes it easier for fans to stay the full nine innings – even on a school or work night.”

Nationals Park gates will continue to open at 5:30 p.m. for evening games and will open 75 minutes prior to scheduled first pitch for all games, unless otherwise noted. All gate and game times are subject to change. The full 2024 schedule is attached.

In addition to 6:45 p.m. start times making evening games more convenient for fans of all ages, Sundays at Nationals Park continue to be focused on families. The 2024 season welcomes the return of popular events like Signature Sundays, Kids Run the Bases and special giveaways, with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 p.m. Special Kids Giveaway Mini-Plans are now available at nats.com/5Packs.

Select 2024 ticket plans, including Premier, Pick ‘Em and Ballpark Access, are on sale now at nats.com/Tickets. Holiday Packs, which include an exclusive Nationals gift, will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 7. Single-game tickets will go on sale in December. Fans can sign up for the free Nationals Fan Club at nats.com/FanClub to receive early access, insider information and additional offers.

Nationals mourn the loss of Frank Howard

The Washington Nationals join the Howard family in mourning the loss of Washington Senators great Frank Howard. Howard’s decades-long career as a player, coach and manager leaves an indelible legacy on the sport of baseball, and he will long be remembered as one of the best players to ever wear the Curly W.

“Growing up a baseball fan in Washington D.C., Frank Howard was my hero,” said Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner. “The towering home runs he hit into the stands at RFK Stadium gave him the nickname ‘Capital Punisher,’ but I’ll always remember him as a kind and gentle man. The entire Lerner family would like to offer our thoughts and condolences to Frank’s family during this difficult time. The world of baseball has truly lost a giant.”

Inducted into the Nationals Park Ring of Honor in 2016 for his contributions to Washington D.C. baseball, Howard hit 237 of his 382 career home runs during his seven-year tenure with the Senators from 1965-71, ranking behind only Ryan Zimmerman for most career long balls while representing Washington D.C. The Nationals’ tradition of identifying the landing spots of long or significant home runs at Nationals Park pays homage to the white seats at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial (RFK) Stadium that marked the mammoth home runs hit by Howard.

“I’d like to send my deepest condolences to the family of Frank Howard,” said Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo. “Frank was a legendary figure in this town and a player that D.C. baseball fans truly admired. I had the utmost respect for him both as a ballplayer and as a human being, and it was always a pleasure seeing him at Nationals Park. He was generous with his time and was never afraid to pass along his knowledge and wisdom. He will be missed.”

“Hondo” came to D.C. on Dec. 4, 1964, as part of a seven-player trade with the Dodgers, and a love affair between player and town began almost immediately. Teammates, media and fans alike marveled at Howard’s tape-measure home runs, many of which taunted cavernous D.C. Stadium’s dimensions.