With spring training picking up steam, the Washington Nationals pitching situation is rapidly developing.
Spring training baseball is in full swing, and teams have started to move towards finalizing their Opening Day rosters.
With the added clarity that comes with more games having been played, the Nationals once-confusing plans on the mound have started to solidify.
With a couple weeks to go before the season officially starts, here are four observations on the current state of Washington's pitching options.
1) Cade Cavalli is gearing up for a monster season
Cade Cavalli is the Nationals most exciting arm of the spring so far, and he's coming off a gem of a performance last Friday night: four innings, one hit, and six strikeouts, all without walking a batter.
In the absence of Mackenzie Gore, the Nationals came into the spring lacking a true number one option to carry the rotation. With his high-90s fastball and exceptional performances so far (he has yet to give up an earned run), Cavalli looks like he could fill that role.
An ascendant season from the 27-year-old would go a long way towards clarifying the Nats' plans for their pitching staff, both this season and into the future. Cavalli will take the opening mound on Opening Day after the decision was made midway through spring training.
2) The addition of Zack Littell makes the starting rotation... overcrowded?
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like Washington's rotation was headed for a disastrous year. Suddenly, with some positive signs in spring training and the addition of a solid starter Zack Littell, the Nationals actually have a surplus of starting pitchers.
Littell is not an ace, but over the past few seasons he has successfully transitioned from middle reliever to a control-specialist starter who can eat innings and work deep into games. That's a valuable addition for a team that has been searching for reliability on the mound.
Washington now has an enviable problem. They have more viable starting options than they do actual starter spots. They will surely aim to work out their pitching pecking order over the next few weeks.
3) Andrew Alvarez could steal a starting spot
Andrew Alvarez, a 26-year-old Southpaw the Nationals selected in the 12th round of the 2021 draft, did not come into Grapefruit League play as a favorite to crack the starting rotation. After some quality performances, it's starting to look like he has a chance to do just that.
Through nine spring innings, Alvarez has allowed two earned runs and just five hits. At the same time, he has struck out 11. His control hasn't been as consistent with five walks surrendered, but he has been impressive, even dominant at times.
It's not a guarantee that Alvarez earns a starting spot by Opening Day, but he should remain in the mix as the season progresses. If he doesn't make the rotation, he'll be nipping at the heels of the back-end starters who do, ready to jump in if and when he's needed. He'll be under the microscope for his next start, which has not yet been announced.