WASHINGTON -- Tanner Roark proved in 2016 that he can be a dominant starting pitcher. He had carried that burden on his shoulder entering Spring Training last year, wanting to show everyone that he should never have been booted from the rotation.
After his success as a starter last season, Roark has established himself as an integral part of the Nationals' rotation. But the same desire to prove himself remains.
"I still don't like to go to Spring Training thinking that I have a free spot," Roark said. "I was once a kid in the Minor Leagues wanting to take someone else's spot up here, so I never take that for granted.