The Washington Nationals continued their workouts in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Wednesday with their third full-squad workout.
Right-handed pitcher Drew Smith signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training on Wednesday and joined his new teammates.
“I talked to [Nationals Director of Pitching] Grayson Crawford—he was with the Mets the last couple years—and a couple guys in the front office, and it just seemed like Grayson was talking high. Talking about stats and the vibes, all the guys,” said Smith. “I had a couple other places that I was looking at but ended up choosing here. Happy to be here.”
During his daily press conference, Manager Blake Butera remarked on how Smith is ready and fully healthy after recovering last year from Tommy John surgery.
“He's just fired up to be here. You know, he's a competitor, wants to be on the mound. He always wants the ball. He’s battled some injuries and some frustrations throughout his career, but he’s just somebody with really good stuff and has that veteran type of demeanor and leadership and has been there, done that. So, yeah, just excited to have him with someone like that,” said Butera.
Field 1 had Zach Penrod, Bryce Montes De Oca, Richard Lovelady and Jackson Rutledge take the mound, while Field 2 saw a rotation of Jake Irvin, Brad Lord and Gus Varland. Outfielders James Wood, Dylan Crews, Daylen Lile, Jacob Young and Robert Hassell III, as well as infielders CJ Abrams, Brady House, Andrés Chaparro, Luis Garcia Jr. and José Tena were some of the players who participated across the two concurrent live sessions.
The work continues again on Thursday, with only two more days until the first games of the 2026 Grapefruit League season.
Left-handed pitcher Jake Eder will be expected to take the mound for the Nationals when they face the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches at 1:05 p.m. ET. The game will be available for free on Nationals.TV with the radio broadcast on Nationals.com.