THE LEAD
Game Recap: Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals lost to the Atlanta Braves last night 4-3. The Nationals started strong, jumping out to a 2-0 lead by the third inning, thanks to timely hitting and solid pitching from starter WP Sinclair. However, the Braves chipped away at the deficit, capitalizing on defensive miscues and a faltering bullpen as the game wore on.

The turning point came late in the game when reliever Daison Acosta took the mound, only to see Atlanta stage a comeback that flipped the score to 4-2 in their favor. Jacob Young’s late double offered a glimmer of hope, cutting the lead to one, but the Nationals couldn’t muster the final push against Braves closer Rob Griswold, who secured the save. Manager Dave Martinez will likely point to the team’s six rookies in the starting lineup as a sign of growth, even in defeat, but the loss stings as a missed opportunity to build momentum. Jake Irvin’s second spring outing showed promise before the bullpen faltered.

Up next:

The Nationals will be visiting the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie, FL; game time is scheduled to begin at 1:10 pm EDT. Left-handed pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara will get the start for the Nationals and will face right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat.

Don’t forget to visit our live Spring Training blog as we provide live updates from West Palm Beach, analysis, and much more throughout the day.

 ANALYSIS
Robert Hassell III: Breakout Prospect of the Year?

Robert Hassell III is hot as the Washington Nationals kick off their 2025 spring training. From a Nationals fan’s perspective, it’s the kind of spark that’s been missing since his prospect star dimmed a bit in recent years. The 23-year-old outfielder, once a top-50 prospect and a key piece in the Juan Soto trade, has come out swinging, posting a blistering .571 batting average through his first 14 at-bats as of February 27, 2025. With eight hits, including three doubles, a home run, 5 RBIs, and a stolen base—plus a jaw-dropping diving catch in center field—Hassell is making a loud case that he’s ready to reclaim his status as one of baseball’s brightest young talents.

This hot streak isn’t just a flash in the pan; it’s a continuation of the momentum he built in the Arizona Fall League last year, where he hit .281/.360/.517 with seven doubles and four homers over 22 games. For Nationals fans, watching Hassell tear it up feels like a redemption arc in the making—proof that the injuries and struggles of the past few seasons haven’t doused his fire. So far, his 1.571 OPS in spring training signals that the left-handed hitter’s elite bat speed and plate discipline are back in full force. If he keeps this up, Hassell could force his way into the big-league conversation, which would be an interesting development as the Nationals seem to have already their outfield set for the season.

SPEED READS
What we think the Washington Nationals front office is reading.

📌 Athletics hyped for their Sacramento era, finally able to 'focus on baseball' (USA Today)

📌 MLB reportedly talks with Netflix, Amazon, NBC, but nothing imminent (Sports Media Watch)

📌 MLB-worst White Sox share spring park with champion Dodgers (ESPN)