Tom Hicks once said, “Baseball is all about pitching, and we know we have to improve our pitching.” Washington Nationals General Manager and President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo has three of the best starting pitchers in the game and has learned it is imperative to have depth and flexibility in the bullpen.
The Nationals are feeling very good as they have tangible competitive options at starting pitching to compete for another World Series trophy. Spring training will confirm the backend of their starting rotation and bullpen roles.
Here is a look at the Nationals starting pitching options as spring training approaches. Pitchers and catchers report to West Palm Beach, Florida on February 13th. The first practice for the ball club as a whole is on February 18th.
No.1 Starter – Max Scherzer
Age-35|27 starts|172 1/3 innings|11-7 record|2.92 ERA|1.027 WHIP|243 SO’s
The three-time CY Young award winner is fresh off a great season. He made only 27 starts and had to miss Game 5 of the postseason due to lingering neck spasms. He did help the Nationals in the postseason with a clutch Game 7 performance keeping the Nationals alive. The future Hall of Famer will be managed closely this spring to make sure he is fully healthy on Opening Day.
No. 2 Starter – Stephen Strasburg
Age-31|33 starts|209 in nings|18-6 record|3.32 ERA|1.038 WHP|251 SO’s
The World Series MVP recently signed a prosperous multi-year deal that estimates over $245 million. Strasburg not only proved his worth in the postseason but was durable in 2019. Strasburg pitched in over 200 innings for the first time since 2014. He will look to enhance his pitching and decision making as his selection of pitches was creative as ever last year.
No. 3 Starter – Patrick Corbin
Age-30|33 starts|202 innings|14-7 record|3.25 ERA|1.183 WHIP|238 SO’s
Corbin had a great first impression in D.C. last year pitching dominant and keeping hitters guessing. Earning a vote on the NL Cy Young ballot, Corbin was worth the investment the Nationals committed in him. Tossing three scoreless innings of relief in Game 7 was proof of that. He will look for more consistency in where he throws his fastball and keeping a powerful slider. His 8.4% walk rate in 2019 will be a constant reminder in spring training.
No. 4 Starter – Anibal Sanchez
Age-36|30 starts|166 innings|11-8 record|3.85 ERA|1.271 WHIP|134 SO’s
The grizzled veteran will try to gain more velocity in his fastball in 2020. Throwing a career-worst 90.7 mph is what the Nationals hope isn’t going to decrease. He showed his ability to adjust after being on the injured list by allowing only an earned run average of 3.42. Sanchez is a valuable piece to the starting rotation and was dependable in the postseason.
No. 5 Starter – ??
The fifth starter job is up for grabs and will be unveiled more than likely after spring training. Three different pitchers will get the opportunity to earn the ball from manager Davey Martinez. Austin Voth and Joe Ross are the favorites to battle for the job. A flawless spring training performance will be needed and during the animated bullpen sessions. The wildcard in the competition is 2014 first-round pick, Erick Fedde. He showed his versatility to pitch as a reliever if needed in addition to starting. Pitching coach Paul Menhart will have his hands full establishing the fifth starter in the rotation.
Austin Voth
Age-27|8 starts|43 2/3 innings|2-1 record|3.30 ERA|1.053 WHIP|44 SO’s
Joe Ross
Age-26|9 starts|64 innings|4-4 record|5.48 ERA| 1.672 WHIP|57 SO’s
Erick Fedde
Age-27|12 starts|78 innings|4-2 record|4.50 ERA|1.462 WHIP|41 SO’s