Playing in their fifth game during the post-lockout condensed spring training, the Washington Nationals rolled out a noticeable lineup Wednesday against the Miami Marlins. The order sure looked like a preview to Washington’s potential Opening Day.
Cesar Hernandez was in the leadoff spot. Juan Soto was second with Nelson Cruz batting third followed by Josh Bell in the cleanup spot. Catcher Keibert Ruiz slotted fifth. Lance Thomas in left field with Alcides Escobar at short. Maikel Franco at third batting eighth with Victor Robles in center and batting ninth.
Even projected Opening Day starter Patrick Corbin was on the mound.
One can argue for 21-year old Luis Garcia could unseat Escobar at shortstop further into the season. But for now he will have to wait his turn.
With Carter Kieboom on the 60-day injured list with flexor mass strain, Franco has been anointed third base for the time being.
As for the game, Soto flashed his power in his first at-bat, crushing a solo homer to center field to put the Nationals on the board 1-0. He also flew out in the fourth and walked in the sixth.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Nationals offense was silent. Cruz and Bell went a combined 0-for-6. Cruz struck out once and hit into a double play in the sixth following Soto’s walk.
The lefty Corbin pitched four scoreless innings. He allowed three hits while striking out four with no walks. He’ll be looking to bounce back from a dreadful 2021 season that saw his ERA ballooned to 5.82.
The Marlins went on to win 3-2 in the exhibition.
Still, there was a glimpse of how the 2022 Nationals will look on the first day of the season. The team’s floor is a rebuilding year with 71 wins. But maybe the youth injection and the power of Soto, Cruz and Bell could surprisingly carry the club to a competitive season?
