JUPITER, FL - Spring Training 2025 is nearing its end, and the Washington Nationals are shaping their roster for Opening Day on March 27. In this Washington Nationals News & Analysis update, we dive into the latest cuts—Robert Hassell III and Trey Lipscomb optioned to Triple-A, plus four reassigned to minor league camp—while tracking Jorge López’s recovery from a left hip issue. With the Nationals’ rebuild in focus, these moves offer clues about the team’s 2025 outlook. Let’s break it down.

Roster Cuts: Prospects Shine Before Heading to Triple-A

The Nationals announced optioning outfielder Robert Hassell III and infielder Trey Lipscomb to Triple-A Rochester this afternoon. Meanwhile, pitcher Clay Helvey, third baseman Brady House, outfielder Andrew Pinckney, and outfielder Stone Garrett were reassigned to minor league camp. For fans craving Washington Nationals News & Analysis, these moves highlight the balance between immediate needs and long-term growth.

Hassell III, a former top prospect from the 2022 Juan Soto trade, turned heads in West Palm Beach. He slashed .378/.378/.556 (17-for-45) with five doubles, a homer, and five RBIs, dazzling with highlight-reel plays in the outfield. At 22, his spring performance screams midseason call-up potential—especially if he keeps raking in Rochester. Want more on Hassell’s journey? Check our 2024 prospect recap here.

Lipscomb, 24, wasn’t far behind, hitting .333 in camp with Gold Glove-caliber defense at multiple infield spots. His versatility could see him in D.C. sooner than later. House, the Nats’ No. 4 prospect, showed flashes of his plus power but needs polish, while Garrett’s injury history likely delayed his MLB return. Pinckney and Helvey round out a group poised to contribute depth in 2025. These cuts cement the starting lineup—think CJ Abrams, Keibert Ruiz, and Jacob Young—but keep Triple-A loaded with talent.

Jorge López’s Hip: On Track for Opening Day? Veteran reliever Jorge López hasn’t pitched since March 10 due to a left hip issue, limiting him to three Grapefruit League outings. Signed for $3 million this offseason, the 32-year-old’s sinker-slider combo is key to a bullpen aiming to improve on 2024’s 4.00 ERA. Manager Davey Martinez updated his status today: “They put him on some medication to calm it down, inflammatory stuff. We’ll see how that goes, and hopefully we get him out there either tomorrow or the next day.”

López threw a light bullpen session on March 19, and if it goes well, he could return to games by Thursday or Friday. That’s tight timing before Opening Day, but Martinez isn’t worried: “These guys that come out of the bullpen, three or four outings is going to be good for them. He said he’s never really thrown more than five in spring training.” The priority? Ensuring the hip doesn’t flare up midseason. With Kyle Finnegan locked in as a closer, López’s setup role could be pivotal—assuming he’s ready.

The Nats Report has you covered with the latest Washington Nationals News & Analysis. Drop your Opening Day predictions below—what’s your take on this roster?

Editors Note: For Nats Report+ subscribers, we’ll have a deep dive into projected WAR and roster turnover later this week—spoiler: the National’s young guns could push this team past 75 wins.