Washington Nationals DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Washington Nationals left-hander Patrick Corbin looked better in his second Grapefruit League outing on Thursday while incorporating more of his newest pitch, a cutter. He needed 49 pitches to complete 1 2/3 innings last Saturday, but on Thursday he cruised through three innings on 41 pitches (32 strikes) and didn't allow a run or walk a batter while scattering three hits and striking out four. One of his K's came on his new cutter. Corbin induced swings on six of the seven cutters he threw (three whiffs). The 34-year-old southpaw plans to continue using the cutter to complement his traditional fastballs-slider combo that he has struggled with in recent seasons. It's something to keep an eye on, but most fantasy managers are avoiding Corbin this year after he had a weak 15.7% strikeout rate last year.

Washington Nationals right-hander Tanner Rainey, who returned late last year from Tommy John surgery, had a perfect inning in his Grapefruit League outing on Thursday and threw only nine pitches (six strikes). His fastball topped out at 92 mph, though, which was a bit alarming since he averaged 97 mph on his fastball before his elbow injury. However, the 31-year-old wasn't concerned, pointing out he's never thrown hard in spring training and has no doubts his full velocity will return by the start of the season. Rainey made just one appearance in 2023 and could have a high-leverage role in Washington's bullpen in 2024 if he stays healthy. He might be useful in deep holds leagues, but it's probably going to take an injury to Kyle Finnegan or Hunter Harvey for Rainey to get any save chances for a Nats team that isn't expected to be very good.

Washington Nationals reliever Kyle Finnegan tried out a new sweeper for the first time in a Grapefruit League game on Wednesday. "Finnegan's always been toying around with trying to get a third pitch," manager Davey Martinez said. "Cause everything he throws is hard. So, he wanted to create some kind of deception, more or less." The new pitch has been registering 78-79 mph, and its spin rate, horizontal break, and pitch shape have all been in line with the numbers for a quality sweeper to complement his high-90s fastball, slider and splitter. Finnegan's sweepers registered 84 and 85 mph on Wednesday, and one of them induced a strikeout. The new pitch could help boost the 32-year-old's career-low 21.9% strikeout rate from a season ago as Washington's co-closer.

Washington Nationals outfielder/designated hitter Joey Gallo (quadriceps) has a sore quadriceps in camp and is only hitting right now, according to manager Dave Martinez. The skipper doesn't think it's a huge deal and thinks Gallo might be able to get into Grapefruit League games next week if all goes well. Martinez described it as the team being cautious right now. The 30-year-old left-handed slugger should be fine for Opening Day at the end of March. In his first season with the rebuilding Nationals, the veteran outfielder is expected to see most of his time in left field while also seeing DH at-bats. Because of his inability to make consistent contact, Gallo is prone to prolonged slumps. Strikeouts will come in bunches with some power added in. It's becoming harder and harder to justify a roster spot in fantasy for Gallo.

Washington Nationals third baseman Nick Senzel (illness) and catcher Keibert Ruiz (illness) were both scratched from Wednesday's Grapefruit League lineup due to illnesses. Senzel has been sick now for a few days, and Ruiz may have caught the same bug. Both players should be able to return to the lineup in a few days at spring training and will be fine for Opening Day in late March. Senzel, a former first-rounder, flamed out in Cincinnati, mostly due to injuries. The 28-year-old is expected to try and stick as Washington's primary third baseman in 2024, and his power/speed combination makes him worth a bench spot in deep-mixed leagues if he wins the job. Ruiz, 25, has gone 1-for-4 in his two Grapefruit League games so far. He's not an elite fantasy catcher, but he has a strong floor due to his status as the Nats' starting catcher.