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Here are your Washington Nationals Morning headlines, news, analysis, and more for Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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Dylan Crews back to Triple A?
Via Washington Nationals
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
As Spring Training wraps up and we start to head into the season, there are a number of questions surrounding Dylan Crews. Chief among them is that if he should head back down to the minors for a little while for some extra growth.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Former second overall pick Dylan Crews has been raising questions over this Spring Training about whether or not he should start the season with the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings to help him develop more and become more the player that the Nationals need him to be
A worrying pattern that started in the regular season last year, with him batting .208 across 293 at-bats, has continued with Crews throughout Spring Training, with him going only 3-for-24, and batting .125 with three walks and nine strikeouts
Part of the concern comes from his career in the minors being one that was rather rushed, with him being pushed quickly through both Double-A and Triple-A despite mostly adequate performances that wouldn’t be cause for a call-up
There is also a concern that being continuously exposed to major league pitching isn’t helping things, along with all of the attention and scrutiny that comes with playing a solid role on a team at that level
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
From a quick look at both his stats from this Spring Training as well as last season, it’s clear that Crews could use at least a momentary break from the majors for some more development. Even with the grain of salt that it’s Spring Training, the pattern of relative underperformance is concerning, coupled with him being rushed through the minor leagues, the place where development is meant to take place, showcases that he may need some extra development, particularly on the hitting side of things.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
What do you think about Dylan Crews’ performance so far this year? Do you think he should take some time in Triple-A?
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
For more in-depth analysis and coverage on whether Dylan Crews should head to Rochester, be sure to check out Richard’s article on it!
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GAME RECAP
🔥 HEADLINE
Powered by Strong Pitching and Defense, Nats Beat Cards
Final Score: Nationals 1, St. Louis Cardinals 0
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
The Nats won out in a very competitive pitchers’ duel that saw Jake Irvin go five scoreless innings and combine with the bullpen for a total of nine strikeouts. The only offense of the day came when Nasim Nuñez scored on a Brady House double.
📊 THE BOX SCORE
Winning Pitcher: Jake Irvin ([2–0], 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K)
Losing Pitcher: Dustin May ([0–1], 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K)
Key Hitters:
Brady House: 1-for-3, 2B, 1 RBI
Nasim Nuñez: 0-for-2, 1 R, 1 BB
Team RISP: [1-for-5]
Errors: Nats 0, Opponent 0
Attendance: 3,480
🎙️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
“We see a better athlete in there. We see a better arm in there. We see a better version of Jake Irvin. We don't want him to just feel like he's a guy that's going to go out there and just eat innings. We want him to go out there and dominate,” manager Blake Butera said of yesterday’s starter.
📅 NEXT AT BAT
Next Game: vs. Miami Marlins, March 18th, 6:05 PM ET, CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
Probables: Nationals — Zack Littell, Marlins — Braxton Garrett
Key Storyline: Can Littell keep the momentum going from his first start with the Nats?
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Who was tonight’s MVP?
✅ House
✅ Nuñez
✅ The Pitching
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AMA Reminder!
Via Washington Nationals
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
Don't forget our AMA in the Nats Report Chat Room on Sunday at 7 PM ET! Hope to see you there!
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WHAT WE THINK THE NATIONALS FRONT OFFICE IS READING
Speed Reads
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