Same as it ever was: Few battles loom for Nats

Options for Nats' fifth starter WASHINGTON -- The 2018 Nationals will not look much different than the team that finished the '17 season. After all, when a team wins 97 games and a second straight division championship, there is usually no need for sweeping changes.

Washington has kept its roster largely in tact as it lines up for another shot at a World Series championship. The Nats return their top eight position players, top four starting pitchers and three best relievers. Plus, they made a few key signings for their bench and are counting on a couple of relievers to return from injury to fill out their bullpen.

So, barring injury, there might not be too many position battles at Nationals…