The Washington Nationals are set to face the Philadelphia Phillies for the last time during spring training as they look to bounce back in the win column.
Washington Nationals (4-1-1) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (1-3-1)
When: 1:05 PM
TV: MLB.TV (free game of the day)
The Washington Nationals will return to action as they look to put Wednesday night’s deflating 7-0 loss against the New York Yankees behind them in the second meeting against the Philadelphia Phillies. They'll do so back in the afternoon slot after consecutive night games with opening pitch set for 1:05 PM.
The two teams tied at five on Monday night while the Nationals are coming off their first loss of spring to move to 4-1-1. The Phillies, meanwhile, are coming off their first win in spring training after taking down the Detroit Tigers, 5-3, on Wednesday after remaining winless through their first four games. A pair of two-run innings in the third and fifth, coupled with a solo home run in the fourth, proved to be the difference on Wednesday night.
Whether manager Blake Butera adds any of the regular day starters to the lineup remains to be seen at this juncture with still several players looking to gain separation in the early season, including the Nationals' expected starter in the day game.
Jake Eder is expected to take the mound in the afternoon for his second start for the Washington Nationals. Eder made his spring training debut on Feb. 21 in a start against the Astros where he allowed two hits and one run while tossing both a pair of walks and strikeouts in two innings. Whether the 27 year old former Angel is able to put together a more consistent outing in his second appearance will be the biggest question with still much left to be decided in the bullpen.
The Nationals will face Taijuan Walker in his first appearance of the spring. This marks his fourth upcoming season with the Phillies where he has posted a 23-21 overall record with a 4.88 ERA and 282 strikeouts against 150 balls over his last three seasons. Walker was also previously named an All Star in 2021 during his time with the New York Mets as the veteran now prepares for his 14th season in the pros after additional stints with the Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks and twice with the Seattle Mariners.
Thursday will also mark the final meeting between the two divisional rivals until they meet in Philadelphia for a three game series beginning Monday, March 30 during the regular season.