A week ago, with Carter Kieboom mired in a spring training slump, the Washington Nationals gave their first indication that the 23-year-old prospect might not be the team’s starting third baseman come opening day.
Manager Dave Martinez gave Starlin Castro an opportunity at the position instead, a move he described as a way to cover Washington’s bases — just in case circumstances required a deviation from the original plan of Kieboom becoming an everyday big leaguer.
Just in case turned into reality Saturday, when the Nationals made a slew of roster moves.