Philadelphia Phillies opponent overview: Washington Nationals

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals looks on before playing the Chicago Cubs in game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals looks on before playing the Chicago Cubs in game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Phillies
Phillies

Additions

  • Manager Dave Martinez
  • UT Howie Kendrick
  • RP Brandon Kintzler
  • 1B/OF Matt Adams
  • C Miguel Montero
  • SP Jeremy Hellickson

Washington fired Dusty Baker as manager after a second straight loss in the NLDS. They hired Dave Martinez, who was Joe Maddon’s bench coach in Chicago and worked with him in Tampa Bay. They hope to get the same success as Maddon has had with the Cubs.

The Nationals remained fairly quiet this offseason otherwuse after going all-out between the 2016 and 2017 seasons. They already had a significant payroll, so they instead made moves to boost their depth.

Howie Kendrick and Brandon Kintzler were both acquired at the deadline last year and both re-signed with the team. Matt Adams and Kendrick should be significant bench pieces. Miguel Montero and Jeremy Hellickson both signed minor-league deals. Montero is in the running for the backup catching job and may just get it.

Schedule