Ford, Ortiz Among Latest ST Cuts
Two more watchlisters were optioned yesterday by Washington as the Nats whittle down the roster ahead of Opening Day in one week.
Harry Ford, the #2 position prospect and #3 overall, will begin the 2026 season in Rochester where he’ll ostensibly play everyday instead of backing up Keibert Ortiz.
He’ll be joined in upstate New York by Abimelec Ortiz, which is a far less controversial decision with a (Ryan) Ripken-esque .136/.296/.182 line in 14 games this spring.
Riley Adams was also reassigned to minor-league camp. The former watchlister had been DFA’d and outrighted in late January. He’s the primary candidate to back up Ford at AAA.
The Nats are among six of the 2026 Spring Breakout games today. Despite facing the 4th-ranked Cardinals, there does not appeared to be a dedicated broadcast aside from MLB Gameday. Neither who will begin the parade of 8-10 pitchers nor the starting lineup has been announced yet.
The game is being televised for free here at the moment for anyone interested: https://www.mlb.com/news/spring-breakout-2026-watch-live-results?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage
Willits has already had two impressive at bats against Liam Doyle, a player at one point considered a possible 1-1 pick instead of Willits, getting two walks.
And for his part, Fien is having a fantastic game too. 2 AB, 2 2B, 4 RBI.
Fien had a ringing double to drive in 3 in the second…. Didn’t see the first.
Miguel Sime Jr pitched the second; hit 102 looking free and easy; a great strikeout with a 101 heater after a 91 cutter for out number 2; but gave up an unearned run after a dodgy Seaver king throw to willits to try and get a force/dp started.
He’s a horse at 18!! .