The Nationals management made their final roster decisions today and got their group of 25 set that will start the regular season on Sunday night. Catcher Johnny Estrada will start the year on the DL and a few pitchers were sent to the minor leagues.
Matt Chico made it onto the 25-Man roster meaning that he has a spot in the Nationals starting rotation for the time being. That Nationals also opted to keep Aaron Boone on the big league roster. Boone has always been a talented player who has been slowed by injuries. If he can play through a healthy season he should be a pretty valuable weapon for the Nats considering he can play multiple positions.
Rob Mackowiak and Willie Harris made the club as reserve outfielders. Both players have had their moments in the big leagues and are also very versatile.
The Nationals took on the Braves this afternoon in a preview of the season opener and fell by a score of 10-2. The aforementioned Chico got roughed up by the Braves to the tune of 5 runs in 5.2 innings. Reliever Ray King, who up until now has had a solid spring gave up the other five runs in the 8th inning and got only one batter out. Hopefully things go better on Sunday.