SPRING TRAINING COVERAGE 2025

THE LEAD

Although the Nationals’ bullpen was atrocious yesterday, MacKenzie Gore turned in the best Opening Day start in Nationals history, dominating for six shutout innings, giving up a second-inning leadoff single to Kyle Schwarber - who was then erased trying to steal second - but no other base runners while punching out thirteen Phillies, including five in a row at two different points. He was magnificent. I’ve been holding out hope that this is a big step forward year for Gore, and he certainly showed why in out-dueling Zack Wheeler, only one of the three or four best pitchers in baseball, yesterday afternoon. He induced twenty swings and misses, locked up one of the best lineups in baseball, and appeared to be supremely in control throughout, both physically and emotionally.

 SPRING TRAINING COVERAGE 2025

Game Recap

As for the rest of the game? Keibert Ruiz threw a runner out stealing (yes, it was Schwarber) and hit a solo shot for the first run of the game (after a hard single to left-center in his first time up), but he also let the moment get to him later with runners in scoring position when he swung at a pitch that hit him in the front leg. The rest of the offense was mostly blah, scoring their other two runs on an RBI groundout and a bloop single. As for the bullpen, not one of the five relievers who followed Gore looked good yesterday. Lucas Sims immediately gave away the 1-0 lead by leaving a pitch in Bryce Harper’s wheelhouse, and after his removal two batters later Jose A. Ferrer did the same to Schwarber, then allowed another run on a wild pitch. Kyle Finnegan loaded the bases in the top of the ninth but managed to escape unscathed, but then Colin Poche and Eduardo Salazar allowed the Manfred Man and three other runners to score in the top of the tenth, assisted by Dylan Crews short-arming a J.T. Realmuto line drive into the right field corner that bounced off of his glove for a triple. The Nats continued their losing ways in extra innings during the Davey Martinez tenure, falling to 28-50, a 58-104 pace over a full season.

 Washington Nationals Analysis

Bullpen Questions Already?

The only pitchers Davey didn’t use yesterday were Jorge López, who barely pitched this spring and might not be 100% healthy (he did warm up, but didn’t get the call to come in) and rookies Brad Lord and Orlando Ribalta. Yesterday the bullpen looked like a microcosm of the 2021 bullpen after the Great Fire Sale, when they gave away almost every lead they were handed and allowed nail-biters to become blowouts. If Lucas Sims and his 2024 WHIP of 1.439 is the first guy you turn to in order to preserve a 1-0 lead in the seventh, that’s a bit of a red flag. Another was Davey allowing Poche to face Alec Bohm in the 10th, given that Bohm has hit southpaws to the tune of .307/.355/.515 across his career. After Gore’s walk-free outing, the relievers issued six free passes in four innings, with only Salazar keeping a clean sheet in that regard. It’s very possible that Davey is going to have to stress-test Lord and Ribalta immediately, or risk having the bullpen be the thing that holds this team back from even approaching .500.

 theFUTURE

Rochester Red Wings Kick off 2025

The Rochester Red Wings will kick off their 2025 season today as they travel to Buffalo to face the Toronto Blue Jays: The Buffalo Bisons’ Triple-A affiliate. Earlier this week, our Rochester Red Wings beat reporter, Bill, was at media day and conducted an interview with Washington Nationals third base prospect, Brady House. From the article:

Later today, we will be publishing an interview with another Washington Nationals prospect, Robert Hassell III, a perspective on the Rochester Red Wings roster, and so much more. Remember, The Nats Report is your source for all the latest news, analysis, and more about the Washington Nationals Minor Leagues, and we welcome you to theFUTURE.

AD

Wake up with Peet’s Coffee and the Morning Briefing

Peet’s Coffee is crafted for those who crave delicious coffee without the brewing; this versatile blend holds its own in any creation. Silky-smooth and delicious, hot or cold, it takes just one tablespoon and a couple of moments to whip up whatever cup you're craving. Order yours today to take advantage of their limited-time intro price.

 WHAT WE THINK THE NATIONALS FRONT OFFICE IS READING

Speed Reads

📌 Herz Seeking Second Opinion (MASN)

📌 Gore Matches Gibson (MLB.com)

📌 Across Opening Day (The Athletic)