Former All-Star Álvarez hopes to complete journey back with Nats

Former All-Star Álvarez hopes to complete journey back with Nats
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Henderson Álvarez threw a no-hitter in the big leagues in 2013. He was a National League All-Star in 2014. He started on opening day for the Marlins in 2015. And he spent the 2018 season pitching for the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican League. It's not exactly a conventional career path, and it wasn't Álvarez's preference. But given his lack of options last year, he was willing to swallow his pride a bit and head south of the border in an attempt to...

Barrett, C. Kieboom, Garcia headline non-roster invitees to camp

Barrett, C. Kieboom, Garcia headline non-roster invitees to camp
The Nationals have announced 18 non-roster invitees to spring training, including two of their top infield prospects and a pitcher trying to return to the majors for the first time 2015 after a myriad of injuries. The two infield prospects - Luis Garcia, 18, and Carter Kieboom, 21 - both figure to get a lot of playing time around the diamond at various positions. Garcia, who has played shortstop, second base and third base, slashed .298/.335/.406 with seven homers and 46 RBIs for low Single-A...

Nationals unable to take advantage of early chance (Marlins win 3-0)

Nationals unable to take advantage of early chance (Marlins win 3-0)
Marlins right-hander Henderson Alvarez appeared to be having trouble controlling his pitches early on tonight against the Nationals. But the Nationals were unable to score a run with men on base in the first and second frames. Alvarez pitched around a walk to Denard Span in the first thanks to a double play ball. In the second inning, the Nationals loaded the bases with no one out. Wilson Ramos walked. Bryce Harper singled and Ian Desmond walked. But Danny Espinosa struck out swinging. Nate...

Desmond, Span and Gonzalez react to hit by pitch warnings

Desmond, Span and Gonzalez react to hit by pitch warnings
In the Nationals' 3-2 win over the Marlins, shortstop Ian Desmond was hit by a pitch thrown by Marlins starter Henderson Alvarez in the first inning. Just four pitches after Bryce Harper had connected on a three-run homer. The home run was only the second home run Alvarez had allowed this season in 15 starts. Manager Davey Johnson talked about how the dynamics of the game changed a bit when home plate umpire Bill Welke warned both benches for pitching inside in the bottom of the first...