As Major League Baseball gears up for another exciting season, the Washington Nationals are set to take the field against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 27, 2025, at 4:05 p.m. at Nationals Park. This Opening Day marks not just the start of the season, but also a pivotal moment for the Nationals as they aim to return to postseason glory.
In a pre-game visit to the Situation Room, Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo shared his thoughts on the team’s prospects for the season. Rizzo expressed optimism about the Nationals' potential to make a deep playoff run, stating, "I believe this team has the talent and determination to compete for the World Series this year." His confidence is reflected in the newly released Opening Day roster, which features a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers.
The Nationals’ Opening Day roster includes five starting pitchers: left-handers MacKenzie Gore and Mitchell Parker, and right-handers Jake Irvin, Michael Soroka, and Trevor Williams. This diverse pitching lineup aims to set the tone for the season, showcasing both experience and youthful energy. Rizzo emphasized the importance of having a solid pitching rotation, saying, "Our starters are crucial to our success, and we believe they can keep us competitive in every game."
Relief pitching will be handled by a strong bullpen, featuring left-hander Jose A. Ferrer and right-handers Kyle Finnegan, Jorge Lopez, Brad Lord, Colin Poche, Orlando Ribalta, Eduardo Salazar, and Lucas Sims. Among them, Brad Lord stands out as a key player to watch. At just 25 years old, Lord had an impressive 2024 season, earning the "Nationals Way" award with a 2.43 ERA, ranking second in wins (10), strikeouts (135), opponents' batting average (.224), WHIP (1.20), and innings pitched (129.2).
Rizzo praised Lord’s performance, noting, "He was one of just two pitchers in Minor League Baseball to win 10 games, pitch to an ERA less than 2.50, and record at least 100 strikeouts. He’s a vital part of our pitching staff and we’re excited to see what he can do this season."
The catching duties will be handled by Riley Adams and Keibert Ruiz, who will look to provide solid defense and contribute offensively. The infield is made up of CJ Abrams, Josh Bell, Paul DeJong, Luis Garcia Jr., Nathaniel Lowe, Amed Rosario, and José Tena. Each player brings unique skills, and their performance will be critical as the team seeks to improve upon last season.
In the outfield, the Nationals have a mix of experience and fresh talent with Alex Call, Dylan Crews, James Wood, and Jacob Young. Notably, eight players on the roster will be participating in their first Opening Day, including highly touted 2023 first-round draft pick Dylan Crews, Montgomery County native James Wood, and Gold Glove finalist Jacob Young. Their debut adds an element of excitement and anticipation for the season ahead.
However, the Nationals are also facing challenges as they head into the season. The team has had to make several adjustments due to injuries. Right-handed pitcher Jackson Rutledge, along with infielder/outfielder Juan Yepez, has been optioned to Triple-A Rochester. Additionally, left-handed pitcher DJ Herz has been transferred to the 60-day Injured List with a left elbow UCL sprain, while right-handed pitchers Derek Law, Cade Cavalli, and Zach Brzykcy have been placed on the 15-day Injured List due to various injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Rizzo remains hopeful. "Every team faces adversity, and how we respond will define our season. We have depth in our roster and believe in our players' abilities to step up when needed," he remarked.
As the Nationals prepare to face the Phillies, the atmosphere at Nationals Park is electric. Fans are eager to see how the team will perform and whether they can live up to Rizzo's lofty expectations. The rivalry with the Phillies adds an extra layer of intensity to the game, making it a must-watch for baseball enthusiasts.
With the season opener just hours away, the anticipation is palpable. Will the Nationals rise to the occasion and start their season on a high note? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the journey to the World Series begins now.
As the clock ticks down to game time, the excitement builds. Rizzo's vision for the team, combined with the talent on the roster, has fans buzzing with hope for what lies ahead. The Nationals are ready to take the field and show the baseball world that they are a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 season.
