Only three spring training games remain for the Nationals in Florida before they pack up and head north for Saturday's exhibition game against the Yankees at Nats Park.
Injuries to third baseman Anthony Rendon and outfielders Jayson Werth, Denard Span and Nate McLouth will certainly adjust how the 25-man roster will look come April 6. The organization added outfielders Matt den Dekker and Reed Johnson on Monday. The Nats like den Dekker's lefty bat and speed to provide depth in the outfield. The 38-year-old Johnson is another outfielder who is an outstanding pinch-hitter.
This added depth is critical with the season opener against the Mets coming Monday. If all of the starters can return to 100 percent health, the roster will certainly look different in June. But new to their positions to begin this season are Yunel Escobar at second base, Werth in left, Bryce Harper in right and Ryan Zimmerman at first base. Catcher Wilson Ramos would love to make it through the first week unscathed after going down on opening day last season with a broken hand at Citi Field.
Guys like Tyler Moore, Tony Gwynn Jr., Michael Taylor and Kevin Frandsen could very likely be in the lineup to begin the season. Here is a look at some of the offensive leaders from spring training with a handful of games remaining:
Most games played: Clint Robinson, 24; Frandsen and Gwynn, 21
Most at-bats: Taylor, 54; Moore ,50.
Most runs scored: Taylor, 11; Dan Uggla, 9; Gwynn and Matt Skole, 8.
Most hits: Taylor, 18; Moore and Robinson, 16 Gwynn, 15.
Most doubles: Moore, 8.
Most triples: Taylor, 2.
Most homers: Taylor 4; Harper, Ian Stewart and Kila Ka-aihue, 3.
RBIs: Moore, Robinson, Ka'aihue, 8.
Most walks: Harper, 12; Uggla, 11.
Most strikeouts: Ian Desmond, 18; Danny Espinosa, 15.
Stolen bases: Desmond, 4.
Top average (minimum 15 games): Skole, .409.
On-base percentage (minimum 15 games): Skole, .480.
Slugging percentage (minimum 15 games): Skole, .727.
Moore, Taylor and Uggla have certainly stood out. Gwynn has a ton of hits. Robinson made a name for himself with his hitting. Desmond and Espinosa's strikeout numbers are noticeable. Good to see Skole connect as he looks to complete a full season healthy.
Bottom line is the utility and bench depth of the Nationals will be tested in April and May. The pitching should certainly keep them in every game. Now the question is, can they sustain success early in the division before they get the regulars back healthy?