Meet the Nats' new four-legged prospect! 'Natty' makes debut as team dog

The Nationals have expanded their 26-man roster to include a four-legged friend.

Welcome to the big leagues, Natty.

The Nationals will debut their new team dog, an 8-week-old Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever mix, on Friday at the series opener against the Orioles.

Natty was born on March 5 in a litter of seven puppies that will be trained as service dogs. His name was selected via a fan vote that month, chosen over Cherry, Monty and Tater.

Natty’s path to pro ball began near Lake Tahoe, Calif., and he advanced to final medical evaluations at the Canine Companions headquarters in Santa Rosa. Natty then traveled to meet his puppy raisers, Jackie and Laura, in Washington, D.C.

Jackie and Laura will help Natty learn basic cues and good manners over the next 18 months. He will be fed Eukanuba for his diet.

As part of this training, Natty will spend time at Nationals Park with staff, players and fans to hone his socialization skills.

Oh yeah, and he’s getting acclimated with baseballs, bats and gloves. Beyond Friday’s game, Natty will make appearances at more games and community events this season.

Once Natty gains his service time with his puppy raisers, he will be promoted to professional training. The goal is to make it to the bigs as a service dog.

Canine Companions provides children, adults and veterans with disabilities with service dogs. They also provide facility dogs to those in criminal justice, educational and healthcare settings. Eukanuba has been Canine Companions’ exclusive dog food partner for more than 35 years.