Photo by Sol Tucker for TalkNats
We made it! Later today we will post up some photos and videos from Spring Training Opening Day action. And for those who consider today as the official start of the preseason, here you go with two games on Opening Day of Spring Training in split-squad games. Jake Eder will start the home game versus the Astros, and Shinnosuke Ogasawara the game up the road against the Cardinals.
A few starters and bench players will be playing today. The Nats are already dealing with some minor injuries. Jacob Young took a pitch off of his wrist on Wednesday and will not see game action today. Luis Garcia Jr. is dealing with a hamstring issue, and they will work him back slowly.
This will give some other players opportunities, and with Garcia out, Abimelec “Abi” Ortiz will get the start at first base. The one player we wanted to see was Harry Ford, and he is starting in Jupiter today in a game that is not televised.
The Washington Nationals open their 2026 Grapefruit League season today with split-squad action against the Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals. Today’s game against Houston will be available to watch FOR FREE on Nationals.TV. The radio broadcast can be heard on Nationals.com.
Since arriving in West Palm Beach, the Nationals have enjoyed a new energy around CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. “Letting them know what we’re about and our expectations as a staff, front office and organization,” Manager Blake Butera said. “A lot of new faces, obviously. Also letting them know that this is a fully clean slate. They get to write their new chapter. What that looks like is totally up to them.”
The full squad arrived at camp early, ready to embrace the new challenge with their new staff. Slugger James Wood was impressed with the strides his teammates have made this winter. “Definitely Robert Hassell looks a lot different, physically. You could see the difference. He put on a good amount of weight.” Wood said. “Dylan Crews looks like he’s made some adjustments swing-wise, so he looks good. I think guys are hungry, so I think that’s good. Everyone’s going to get the best out of each other.”
Houston Astros vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
1st Pitch: 1:05 PM EDT
TV: Nationals.TV (in-market); MLB.TV (out-0f-market)
Radio: Nats Radio and via the MLB app
Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium: Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
1st Pitch: 1:05 PM EDT
TV: N/A
Radio: MLB app via KMOX, WIJR
