WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Both Tanner Roark and Daniel Murphy had encouraging returns to Grapefruit League action in Saturday's 4-1 victory over the Astros. Their performances Saturday might have helped ease some of the Nationals' concerns about their lack of playing time in the World Baseball Classic, as the team tries to get them ready for the beginning of the season.
Roark gave up one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings, and his pitches stayed sharp as he threw a spring-high 73 pitches. He made the start technically on short rest after he pitched Tuesday in the World Baseball Classic, but the Nationals are trying to line up their rotation for Opening Day, and Roark appears to be tentatively slotted to pitch the second game against the Marlins.