WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Today marks the last time we'll see Tanner Roark, Daniel Murphy and four others in Nationals uniforms for a little while. Later this afternoon, the Nats' six representatives in the World Baseball Classic are set to leave camp and join their home countries to play in the international tournament. (Along with Team USA's Roark and Murphy, Rafael MartÃn and Oliver Pérez will pitch for Mexico, Jhonatan Solano will catch for Colombia and Enny Romero will pitch for the Dominican Republic.)
So expect to see Roark extend himself a bit in today's game against the Twins, likely pitching at least four innings in his final tune-up before he faces the powerful Dominican lineup Saturday night at Marlins Park. And expect to see Murphy, who is still trying to find his timing at the plate, get at least three at-bats in this game.
Dusty Baker is playing most of his regulars, really everyone except for Matt Wieters, who has yet to make his game debut. He's trying out Jayson Werth as the No. 2 hitter today against Twins lefty Hector Santiago, with Adam Eaton batting sixth.
This is also my last game down here for a little while. I'm heading home later tonight for a short break. Pete Kerzel is en route to Florida as we speak and will take over coverage until I return on March 14 ...
WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. MINNESOTA TWINS
Where: The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EST
TV: None
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 869, MLB.com
Weather: Cloudy, 73 degrees, wind 23 mph in from center field
NATIONALS
SS Trea Turner
DH Jayson Werth
2B Daniel Murphy
RF Bryce Harper
3B Anthony Rendon
CF Adam Eaton
1B Ryan Zimmerman
C Derek Norris
LF Brian Goodwin
RHP Tanner Roark
TWINS
LF Robbie Grossman
CF Danny Santana
RF Eddie Rosario
DH Kennys Vargas
1B Ben Paulsen
3B Eduardo Escobar
2B Tommy Field
C John Ryan Murphy
SS Ehire Adrianza
LHP Hector Santiago