JUPITER, Fla. -- The sparkplug of the Nationals’ title team was back in the lineup for the first time since the 2019 World Series on Monday.

Gerardo Parra made his Spring Training debut in the Nationals’ 4-2 loss to the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, after being cleared after undergoing right knee surgery. He got the start in left field and went 1-for-3 at the plate.

“He's getting there,” manager Dave Martinez said. “He looks good.”

Parra played in Japan last season with the Yomiuri Giants and hit .272. He was excited when he found out on Sunday that he would play, and his mind also went to his knee, for which he is wearing a brace.

“When I went stretching and running a little bit, I said, ‘OK, I feel great,’ and that’s more important right now,” Parra said. “[I’m] happy to be back, happy to play with my teammates, happy to see the fans.”

This spring, Parra is contending for a backup outfield role. The Nats have a vacancy at the fourth spot, previously held by Michael A. Taylor, and Andrew Stevenson has made a strong case so far. Parra isn’t worried about playing catchup, though. He’s more concerned about playing with a smile and letting the rest fall into place.

“I play like every day is the last game,” Parra said. “I don’t play for making the team -- I don’t put it in my mind that once. [I] just play happy every time. It’s not my decision. The only thing I can control is just feeling a hundred percent, and I feel good today. Whatever decision they’re having, I’m happy for them.”

Strasburg update
Stephen Strasburg remains day-to-day after exiting Sunday’s game early because of left calf discomfort. He was slated to receive treatment and throw on Monday. No decision had been made yet about his next start, and there is a possibility he could do a side session first.

“Because it is his plant foot, we want to emulate how it happened and to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Martinez said. Even if Strasburg’s next start were to get moved back, Martinez believes the right-hander still could begin his 12th season on time.