(JUPITER, Fla) Well, even if just for a moment, it seems that left-handed pitcher (LHP) Patrick Corbin might be returning to his 2019 form. If true, this could be significant for the Washington Nationals, especially as the left-hander approaches the final year of his contract with the team.

In the past few years, it's been a rollercoaster for Corbin, who joined the Nationals during the 2019 offseason and played a crucial role in their magical 2019 season run. However, recent seasons haven't been as favorable for the left-hander on the mound, with notable struggles. As he enters the last year of his contract at 34 years old, Corbin is eager to start spring training on the right foot and maintain momentum throughout the upcoming season.

The Nationals not only need him to log substantial innings in the coming months but also to mentor a young pitching staff that represents the team's future.

After requiring 49 pitches to complete just 1 2/3 innings against the Astros on Saturday night, Corbin breezed through his three scheduled innings today with 41 pitches, 32 of them strikes. In his first two starts of Spring Training, Corbin boasts a 1-1 record with eight strikeouts over 4.2 innings pitched, holding an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.29.

In a post-game interview with the media, Corbin expressed satisfaction with the results of using the cutter more frequently. "I think the movement and location are pretty good. I hope the velocity goes up a bit (it averaged 85.5 mph today), but overall, it's been sharp, and I've been locating that pitch well, so I'm happy with it."

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The Nationals had a strong start in this afternoon's matchup as Lane Thomas and James Wood hit back-to-back home runs off St. Louis starter Kyle Gibson. Thomas hit a 2-1 breaking ball from Gibson to the left for his first spring homer. In the following at-bat, James Wood launched a 111.6-mph laser to left-center off a sinker, marking his third home run in six games at his first big league camp.

Wood, batting second and playing center field for the first time, also lined a sharp single off the second baseman's glove and struck out. Wood has swiftly become a fan favorite, injecting excitement into Spring Training. In his first big league Spring Training, Wood boasts a 7-14 record with three home runs, five RBIs, a .500 batting average, and an OPS of 1.731. It's not a bad way to enter the conversation about whether he should be on the opening-day roster. [More on that to come, right?]

Some additional good news for the Nationals, who are currently attracting attention, comes from today's results with Tanner Rainey. Still recovering from Tommy John surgery, Rainey had a perfect 1-2-3 inning this afternoon.

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