Ready for anything, Stevenson eyes OF spot

JUPITER, Fla. -- For the past four years, Andrew Stevenson has been staying ready -- ready to pinch-hit, ready to pinch-run, ready to play the outfield.

This season, the Nationals’ fourth outfield spot is up for grabs, and Stevenson, their 2015 second-round Draft pick, is a top candidate.

“He gets it,” manager Dave Martinez said. “He understands what he’s vying for, and he does well.”

The Nats are looking for someone to fill the role following Michael A. Taylor’s departure to Kansas City in free agency. Martinez is eyeing a lefty bat that can play all three outfield positions -- boxes checked on Stevenson’s resume.

On Saturday, Stevenson got the start in right field against the Marlins in the Nationals’ rain-shortened, six-inning 5-3 win. He went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Stevenson arrived at Spring Training riding the momentum of a 12-game hitting streak last season.

“I think last year, he built some confidence,” Martinez said. “Coming into this year, he looks relaxed playing the game. He’s playing the game right. You saw him lay down a nice bunt against a lefty there, which I like and I encourage for him to do. He’s swinging the bat well. We know what he can do against right-handed pitchers, he makes good at-bats every time he’s up there.”

In his four-year career, Stevenson has a cumulative slash line of .266/.348/.389 with a .737 OPS.

“Like I said to all these guys, unfortunately we can only take 26 guys to start the season, but that doesn’t mean much,” Martinez said. “Who knows. In two weeks' time, something else can change. In a month's time, something else can change. But he’s here because we value what he can do, and I know he can help us win games.”

Parra progressing

Another player contending for a backup outfield role is Gerardo Parra. The 33-year-old veteran, who also can play first base, is working his way back from right knee surgery. Martinez anticipates Parra could be cleared to make his Spring Training debut -- and first game with the Nats since Game 7 of the 2019 World Series -- mid-next week.

“He’s been taking a lot of at-bats during our live BPs,” Martinez said. “So, once we feel comfortable when he can just run around the bases, he’ll start playing.”

Nats eyeing Lester’s return to Florida

The Nationals hope to have Jon Lester back with the team on Monday after he underwent thyroid gland removal surgery on Friday in New York. Lester had a follow-up visit scheduled with a doctor on Saturday, and Martinez said, “he’s doing well.”

Welcome to Spring Training action

Relievers Javy Guerra, Will Harrison and Daniel Hudson made their first Grapefruit League appearances on Saturday against the Marlins. Hudson relieved Corbin to pitch the third inning, and he allowed two runs off two hits, including a home run to Garrett Cooper off a 94.2 mph fastball. Harris followed with one hit surrendered in a scoreless fourth frame. Guerra, who joined the Nats late because his wife was pregnant, issued a walk and a hit without allowing a run in the sixth.

How the game ended