JUPITER, Fla. -- It's been a little more than a week since he officially signed with the Nats, and although catcher Matt Wieters says he is getting close, he estimates he is still a few days away from appearing in his first Grapefruit League game.
In the meantime, Wieters has been catching bullpen sessions at the Nationals' complex and plans to catch and stand in the batter's box during a live batting practice session in the next few days.
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"It's just getting to where the baseball movements become natural," he said. "It just takes a little bit and then we'll be ready for that. It's hard for me not being able to play in games, that's what I like doing more."
With the extra week of Spring Training due to the World Baseball Classic, the Nationals weren't worried about the learning curve for Wieters after signing in late February. He might not have the full chance to learn the Nationals' pitching staff, but Wieters credited a veteran staff that already has an idea of how to attack hitters.
"It's Spring Training more for him than anybody," Nats manager Dusty Baker said.