Nationals catchers have been a hot topic this weekend. The Nationals just announced that Wil Nieves has been assigned to minor league camp. We were led to believe that Nieves would back up Lo Duca until Estrada is ready and Flores would start in Harrisburg. With Nieves now in minor league camp and Estrada likely injured, only Lo Duca and Flores are on the roster. Does this mean Estrada is ready to go? Sounds like there is still more to be worked out in this position.
From the press release:
“The Washington Nationals today reassigned catcher Wil Nieves to minor-league camp. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.”
Additionally, Tim Redding suffered a back spasm in today’s loss to the Marlins. He’s scheduled for a bullpen session on Tuesday and we’re hoping this was just a minor set-back. If not, we’d all expect Lannan to get the call.
Bill says Felipe has changed his tune and suggested that he’ll have no problem rooting for teammates Guzman and Belliard if he is on the bench. Now seriously — if he had said, “Bench, Sure. No problem,” wouldn’t everyone be on his case about not caring? Of course he’s going to pull for his teammates. Of course he isn’t going to be happy on the bench. What young guy with his potential would be? Will it make him work even harder? Probably, at least we hope so.
Dave from Bottom Feeder Baseball is in Viera and has some great re-caps and photos. Check it out.
UPDATE: Bill Ladson says that indeed Flores will back up Paul Lo Duca if Estrada starts the season on the DL.
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