Jason Marquis continues to pitch well in Spring Training, allowing one run over five innings on three hits and two walks this afternoon in a 4-2 Nats loss to the Detroit Tigers.
As we approach the Ides of March, playing time for the prospects has become more sparse as the big boys prep for Opening Day…
- Chris Marrero got another start at first base and went 0-for-2 with a walk, but participated in three double plays. He’s now batting .389 but one would think his option to Syracuse is coming this week
- Wilson Ramos was the DH today and but went hitless again, an 0-for-4 afternoon with a strikeout and two runners left on base. He’s struggled of late but should still be considered the leading candidate to back up Ivan Rodriguez
- Danny Espinosa had an RBI groundout in the 9th and had an assist while playing the final two innings at shortstop. He’s cooled off some but is still outhitting Desmond .324 to .314 though he has yet to draw a walk and has struck out eight times in eleven games.
- Derek Norris was the run that Espinosa drove in, reaching base on a walk as a pinch-hitter for Rodriguez. Norris, who won the game on Saturday with a warning-track flyball single, is still most likely to begin the year at Harrisburg, unless Jesus Flores is traded or hurt.
With the loss, the Nats drop to 10-6 and travel to Port St. Lucie tomorrow night to face the Mets, a game that will not be covered by TV or radio.