JUPITER, Fla. -- Right-hander Matt Belisle may have played his last game as a member of the Nationals on Saturday afternoon. He could opt out of his Minor League contract on Sunday.
A half hour after the Nationals blanked the Cardinals, 7-0, Belisle sounded like a guy who wants to stay in the Nationals organization because of manager Dusty Baker. The two worked together when they were with the Reds.
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"Dusty wants to win a championship. That's all I want to do, too," Belisle said. "I want to be part of a special team, and I want to hold the trophy. It's a good thing to know, that all he wants to do is hold the trophy. I want to win."
Entering Sunday's action, Belisle has allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He had only one rough outing in his five appearances, which was against the Tigers on March 20. The question is, will he opt out of his contract?
"That's something I can't control. I have to get on the bus, go to bed and report tomorrow," Belisle said. "I've never been in this situation. It's so different for me. All I know is how to prepare for another season."