\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Thames remained at first base when he returned to MLB to play for the Brewers from 2017-19. During that time, he recorded a .993 fielding percentage over 1,855 1/3 innings at first, playing 242 games there (including 219 starts).\n\nThis past winter, Thames signed a deal to join the Nationals for his sixth Major League season.\n\n“He seems to fit in really well, from what I’m noticing,” Martinez said. “Guys love him. He jumps right in, he’s a good teammate, he wants to do everything he can to help us win ballgames.”\n\nThe Nationals have looked forward to seeing what Thames can do at the plate, making him a candidate to play designated hitter, which will be in the National League for the first time this season. Martinez said having Thames in the lineup is going to be “tremendous,” especially against right-handers. Last season, Thames hit 23 home runs with a .529 slugging percentage against righties. Now, Thames’ to-do list is much more extensive than just going yard.\n\n“He’s got tremendous power, as we all know,” Martinez said. “I know he’s working diligently with \\[bench coach Tim Bogar\\] and \\[third-base coach\\] Chip \\[Hale\\] over at first base. He wants to be a really good defender. He’s showing signs where he can stand out there and play a good first base.”\n\nThames noted Washington’s coaching staff is “adamant about defense.” During Summer Camp, he’s been answering the call.\n\n“They’ve been all over me about getting work in and extra fungos and everything,” Thames said. “In baseball, it could be the ninth inning, a big play to \\[shortstop\\] Trea \\[Turner\\] up the middle, he spins and throws it on an in-between hop, you’ve got to dig it.\n\n“I’m busting my butt over here.”","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/eric-thames-working-on-first-base-defense-in-camp","contentType":"news","subHeadline":"Veteran slugger focused on defense during Summer Camp","summary":"Heading into the 2020 season, first base had been one of the most stacked positions on the Nationals' roster. It would be up to manager Dave Martinez to juggle innings between Howie Kendrick, Eric Thames and Ryan Zimmerman on the field.\nQuickly, that veteran trio is down to one.\nZimmerman","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-120","title":"Washington Nationals","team":{"__ref":"Team:120"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"jessica-camerato","title":"Jessica Camerato","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-519346","title":"Eric Thames","person":{"__ref":"Person:519346"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"spring-training","title":"Spring Training","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/lwifxxwyzaz8k5urswn8","title":"Eric Thames working on first-base defense in camp"},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}],"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/wsh/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"t120-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"t120-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-tickets","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nats TicketFinder: Find the Best Ticket Option for You!","linkUrl":"/tickets/ticket-finder","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Ticket Plans","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/plan-options","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Promotions & Giveaways","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Ticket Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Suites & Premium Seating","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Current Season Plan Holders: Renew Now!","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Deals","linkUrl":"/tickets/deals","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"3D Seat Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/seating-map/3d","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Parking","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation/driving-parking#purchase","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts & Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Club Sign-Up","linkUrl":"/fans/newsletters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy & Sell Tickets on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/washington-nationals-tickets?aid=15993&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=nationals_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Terms & Conditions","linkUrl":"/tickets/terms-and-conditions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"(202) 675-NATS","linkUrl":"tel:202-675-6287","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":"","tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Holiday Packs","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs/holiday","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Holiday Packs","linkUrl":"/tickets/packs/holiday","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Opening Day Tickets","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/single-game-tickets#game=662571","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Park Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Park Tours","linkUrl":"/ballpark/tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training Tickets - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Enchant","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/enchant","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"rewards","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Access","linkUrl":"https://rewards.nationals.com/login","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Season Plans","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/plan-options/initial-payments","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nats TicketFinder: Find the Best Ticket Option for You!","linkUrl":"/tickets/ticket-finder","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Ticket Plans","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/plan-options","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Suites & Premium Seating","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Current Season Plan Holders: Renew Now!","linkUrl":"http://www.nationals.com/mytickets","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Printable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/printable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Downloadable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sortable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2024/fullseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2024-02","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Affiliates","linkUrl":"/team/broadcast-affiliates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Game Postponement Information","linkUrl":"/ballpark/game-postponement","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"gameday","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Nationals Park","linkUrl":"/ballpark","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A-Z Information Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Game Postponement Information","linkUrl":"/ballpark/game-postponement","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transportation Guide","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Parking & Directions","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation/driving-parking","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Seating Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/netting","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Park Experiences","linkUrl":"/ballpark/park-experiences","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pregame Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/pregame","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids Activities","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/kids-activities","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Batting Practice On-Field Passes","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/batting-practice","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concerts & Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Corporate Partnerships","linkUrl":"/sponsorship","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Park Tours","linkUrl":"/ballpark/tours","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Host an Event at Nationals Park","linkUrl":"/ballpark/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Hospitality Areas","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets/hospitality","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Concessions","linkUrl":"/ballpark/concessions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bag Policy","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/bag-policy","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Lost and Found","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/lost-and-found","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Health & Safety Measures","linkUrl":"/ballpark/health-and-safety","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches","linkUrl":"/spring-training/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospects Stats","linkUrl":"/prospects/stats/tp-/prospects/stats?teamId=120","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/team/120","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Roster","linkUrl":"/roster","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"40-Man Roster","linkUrl":"/roster/40-man","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Non-Roster Invitees - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/roster/nri","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Chart","linkUrl":"/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Coaches","linkUrl":"/roster/coaches","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top 30 Prospects","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/nationals","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"/roster/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Updates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/nationals/news/topic/nationals-injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Draft Results","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/all/team/nationals","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/roster/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Front Office","linkUrl":"/team/front-office","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcasters","linkUrl":"/team/broadcasters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Agency Partners","linkUrl":"/sponsorship/agency-partners","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Video","linkUrl":"/video","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nats HD","linkUrl":"/video/topic/natshd","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Manager Postgame","linkUrl":"/video/topic/nationals-manager-postgame","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Game Recaps","linkUrl":"/video/topic/nationals-game-recap","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Most Popular","linkUrl":"/video/topic/t120-default-vtp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Reviews","linkUrl":"/video/topic/nationals-reviews","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Cut4","linkUrl":"/video/topic/nationals-cut4","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nats in Your Neighborhood","linkUrl":"/video/topic/nats-in-your-neighborhood","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Curtain Calls","linkUrl":"/video/topic/nationals-curtain-calls","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Military Recognition","linkUrl":"/video/topic/wsh-military-recognition","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"GEICO Presidents Race","linkUrl":"/video/topic/wsh-presidents-race","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Videos","linkUrl":"/video/topic/nats-in-your-neighborhood","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/network","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/roster/probable-pitchers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Official Releases","linkUrl":"/news/topic/nationals-press-releases","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Curly W Blog","linkUrl":"http://curlyw.mlblogs.com/","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Pipeline","linkUrl":"/news/topic/nationals-pipeline-coverage","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Prospects News","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/milb/news/t-222680474","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Health Report","linkUrl":"/news/t-168658740","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Stream","linkUrl":"/team/photos","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"RSS News Feed","linkUrl":"/feeds/news/rss.xml","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals History","linkUrl":"/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals History Feature Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/nationals-history-trivia","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB News","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/news","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"globe","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Community","linkUrl":"/community","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nats Partners \"Open for Business\"","linkUrl":"/ballpark/open-for-business","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball Weekend","linkUrl":"/community/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Equipment Drive","linkUrl":"/community/equipment-drive","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Calendar","linkUrl":"/community/calendar","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Donation Requests","linkUrl":"/community/donations-fundraising#donation-requests","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Ticket Grants","linkUrl":"/community/ticket-grants","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Player Philanthropy","linkUrl":"/community/player-philanthropies","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Mail","linkUrl":"/community/fan-mail","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Military Initiatives","linkUrl":"/community/military-initiatives","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Free Tickets for Troops","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/penfed","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Baseball & Softball","linkUrl":"/community/youth-baseball-and-softball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Education Initiatives","linkUrl":"/community/education-initiatives","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Videos","linkUrl":"/video/topic/nats-in-your-neighborhood","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Philanthropies","linkUrl":"/community/philanthropies","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Capital Area Food Bank","linkUrl":"/forms/dream-foundation-donation-food-bank","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Youth Baseball Academy","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-academy","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Wellness Clubhouse","linkUrl":"/social/sponsored/inova","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Together","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation","linkUrl":"https://www.baseballydf.com","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Assistance Team","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/baseball-assistance-team","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/play-ball","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/rbi","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Stand Up To Cancer","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together/stand-up-to-cancer","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Fans","linkUrl":"/fans","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jr. Nationals Kids Club","linkUrl":"/fans/jr-nats","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Summer Camp","linkUrl":"/fans/baseball-camps","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Club Sign-Up","linkUrl":"/fans/newsletters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"National Anthem Auditions","linkUrl":"/fans/anthem","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Team Store","linkUrl":"/fans/team-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals License Plates","linkUrl":"/fans/license-plates","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Connect with the Nats","linkUrl":"/social","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Walk-up Music","linkUrl":"/ballpark/music","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Publications","linkUrl":"/fans/publications","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Scoreboard Messages","linkUrl":"/fans/scoreboard-messages","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Racing Presidents","linkUrl":"/fans/racing-presidents","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Kids","linkUrl":"/fans/kids","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"appears:1685548800;expires:1688054400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-club-2024","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1636577506","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Fantasy","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/fantasy","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1636577506","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Apps","linkUrl":"/apps","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"watch","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe?affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/t-36234558+z-9302275-2316893081?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Team Store","linkUrl":"/fans/team-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gold Collection","linkUrl":"/fans/team-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jostens Fan Collection","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/champions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jerseys","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/jerseys/t-14230158+d-6761331214+z-92-1620140658?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Caps","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/caps/t-25564581+d-8938550036+z-91-3611641036?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Men's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/men/t-25676770+ga-89+z-974585-2383979041?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Women's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/women/t-25011203+ga-24+z-915199-983447507?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/kids/t-47127869+ga-03+z-968465-3033925919?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Big & Tall","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/big-and-tall/t-14679047+es-57+z-961342-3090985690?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trading Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/trading-cards/d-4507487451+z-952513-2008381280?_s=bm-mlb.com-ShopButton-2024-TradingCards-was","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Collectibles & Memorabilia","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/collectibles-and-memorabilia/t-14342369+d-9016881105+z-92-496971823?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home & Office","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/home-and-office/t-25677836+d-6749771222+z-92-3507440190?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Clearance","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/washington-nationals/t-36234558+z-9302275-2316893081?os=1&_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en/c/shop-by-team/national-league/washington-nationals?portal=JSNESAP7&CMP=PSC-JSNESAP7","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Certificates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-was","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Photostore","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/collections/washington+nationals?utm_source=washington_nationals&utm_campaign=nav","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Nationals Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://nationals.auctions.mlb.com/?_gl=1*1ed2ukt*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+WAS&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=mki8i1dARcxDt3WwReTi6kJOREHftyZJNK-Xg3m10ZpEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+WAS&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav+MLB&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Authentication","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/official-information/authentication","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Español","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/es/nationals","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#041e42","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#041e42","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#041e42","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#FFFFFF","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/6fZHckDXlYaY4KjPb08rSr/ab8834d8ced75206520d0bc94a5eb29e/2023_natscom_NoBG.svg"},"headerMastheadTagline":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/69cX8zyDO5nFDR0SauIFdL/9ab4aee31bc63da80b9c18871c2af155/2022Natitude_NoBG.svg"},"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"500px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"50px"}}},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","id":120,"division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Person:519346":{"__typename":"Person","id":519346},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Oakland Athletics","shortName":"Oakland","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbnationals","linkInternalFilters":"washington,nationals"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Washington Nationals","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
Nats' Thames on 1B drills: 'I'm busting my butt'
Nats' Thames on 1B drills: 'I'm busting my butt'
Veteran slugger focused on defense during Summer Camp
Heading into the 2020 season, first base had been one of the most stacked positions on the Nationals' roster. It would be up to manager Dave Martinez to juggle innings between Howie Kendrick, Eric Thames and Ryan Zimmerman on the field.
Quickly, that veteran trio is down to one.
Zimmerman elected not to play this year, and Kendrick has not yet been cleared to participate in Summer Camp workouts with Opening Day less than two weeks away. That leaves Thames in line to man the position more often than originally anticipated.
“Staying healthy, whether it’s an actual injury or getting sick, that’s the No. 1 priority,” Thames said on Saturday. “It is definitely different right now at first base.”
Thames began his big league career in the outfield. When he traveled overseas to play in the Korea Baseball Organization, he transitioned to first base, logging 2,844 innings with a .993 fielding percentage in three seasons.
“It was a lot of reps in Korea -- hours and hours and hours of ground balls,” Thames said. “Over here, it’s a little different, but over there, I was learning the position, learning what to do. That definitely helped me a lot.”
Thames remained at first base when he returned to MLB to play for the Brewers from 2017-19. During that time, he recorded a .993 fielding percentage over 1,855 1/3 innings at first, playing 242 games there (including 219 starts).
This past winter, Thames signed a deal to join the Nationals for his sixth Major League season.
“He seems to fit in really well, from what I’m noticing,” Martinez said. “Guys love him. He jumps right in, he’s a good teammate, he wants to do everything he can to help us win ballgames.”
The Nationals have looked forward to seeing what Thames can do at the plate, making him a candidate to play designated hitter, which will be in the National League for the first time this season. Martinez said having Thames in the lineup is going to be “tremendous,” especially against right-handers. Last season, Thames hit 23 home runs with a .529 slugging percentage against righties. Now, Thames’ to-do list is much more extensive than just going yard.
“He’s got tremendous power, as we all know,” Martinez said. “I know he’s working diligently with [bench coach Tim Bogar] and [third-base coach] Chip [Hale] over at first base. He wants to be a really good defender. He’s showing signs where he can stand out there and play a good first base.”
Thames noted Washington’s coaching staff is “adamant about defense.” During Summer Camp, he’s been answering the call.
“They’ve been all over me about getting work in and extra fungos and everything,” Thames said. “In baseball, it could be the ninth inning, a big play to [shortstop] Trea [Turner] up the middle, he spins and throws it on an in-between hop, you’ve got to dig it.