Revamped Nats ready to contend once more

The Nationals arrived in West Palm Beach, Fla., with the goal of contending in 2021 -- one season after missing the playoffs and only two since winning the World Series.

Washington saw how its lineup could be enhanced by the offseason additions of Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber, as well as the returns of Ryan Zimmerman and Starlin Castro. Manager Dave Martinez has the luxury of multiple batting order combinations that could increase the club's offensive production.

The Nats saw the potential of their healthy starting rotation after being hampered by injuries last year. Max Scherzer earned his sixth Opening Day start in seven years, Stephen Strasburg returned from carpal tunnel surgery, Joe Ross once again emerged as the leading candidate for the fifth starter spot (which has yet to be announced) after electing not to play in 2020, and veteran Jon Lester joined the mix.

The bullpen remains a work in progress heading into April 1. The Nationals acquired Brad Hand to be their closer, and the 2020 league leader in saves has struggled in Florida. The ‘pen also took a hit with a health issue for Will Harris (see below). Washington entered camp, though, with an abundance of relievers, and Wander Suero is among those showing potential to be a strong contributor this year.

Best development: Victor Robles as leadoff hitter
Martinez hasn’t finalized the batting order, but Robles has been thriving in the leadoff role. The Nationals wanted to see how Robles could bolster the lineup with his energy and speed while getting on base for Trea Turner and Juan Soto. Robles is batting .273 with a .944 OPS and three homers in his first 16 games. He also has stolen four bases.

“He’s taking pitches that he normally swings at -- which is a good sign -- and he’s hitting the ball relatively hard,” Martinez said this week. “With that being said, he’s still striking out and we kind of want him to put the ball in play. When he does put the ball in play, he’s hitting the ball hard. His exit velo’s been really, really impressive this spring.”

Unfortunate events: Will Harris
After dealing with injuries last year, the veteran right-handed reliever was looking to have a strong 2021 season. However, the 36-year-old was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right arm after he experienced discomfort during a one-inning outing in a "B" game on March 13. The plan is for Harris to meet with specialist Dr. Robert Thompson in St. Louis and map out a treatment plan from there.

“I don't know much about what's going to happen here,” Martinez said on March 19. “But for me, when somebody mentions something like that, it's kind of a scary deal. Until we know more about it, then I’ve got to assume that he's going to not start with us this season."

Player who opened eyes: 1B Josh Bell
The Nationals were looking for power when they acquired Bell from the Pirates on Christmas Eve, and he's delivered. This spring, he has looked more like the 2019 All-Star who hit 37 homers than the player who struggled last season. Bell has belted five home runs in the first 15 games of Grapefruit League action, a glimpse into the protection he could provide hitting behind Soto in the lineup. Bell's contact has been so strong, Martinez compared the sound to "opening day of duck season." The 28-year-old also has been lauded by Martinez for his defense.

'Wow' moment: Nats hit back-to-back-to-back home runs
Zimmerman began his hot spring with a homer in his first at-bat since electing not to play last season. And on March 2 against the Astros, he wasn’t the only member of the Nats going yard. That afternoon, Josh Harrison homered off Steve Cishek first, Zimmerman followed and Yadiel Hernandez made it a trifecta in the third inning. It was just the start of Zimmerman’s noteworthy ramp up to his 16th season.

In case you missed it
The excitement of his Spring Training debut was not lost on the 37-year-old Lester, who experienced “butterflies” in his first start for the Nationals after undergoing a medical procedure during camp.