WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- With only so many Grapefruit League contests remaining, the Nationals are looking to get their players more at-bats and innings than the regular game schedule can accommodate. To fit in additional Spring Training reps, the Nats are holding “B” games against their nearby opponents.

Ahead of hosting the Mets on Saturday evening, the Nationals faced the Astros at their shared stadium, The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Houston won the nine-inning game, 6-5, but this was more about the work and progress made than the final score.

Let’s take a look at sights, scenes and things learned from the morning matchup.

Mechanics on the mound
While the “B” games are opportunities for young prospects to get Major League experience, it’s also a chance for veterans to work on aspects of their repertoire.

Right-handed relievers Will Harris and Daniel Hudson each pitched one inning so they could fine-tune some mechanics, rather than test them out in traditional game competition. Harris honed in on his curveball, and Hudson focused on his changeup grip.

“I liked them,” manager Dave Martinez said. “They’re going to be right where they need to be.”

Paolo Espino, Javy Guerra, Tyler Dyson, Jacob Condra-Bogan, Gabe Klobosits, Steven Fuentes and Todd Peterson also pitched a frame.

Parra update
Veteran outfielder Gerardo Parra is adjusting to playing with a right knee brace as he works his way back from surgery. The goal is for him to get more plate appearances as he continues to strengthen the knee, and he could be cleared to make his official spring debut as early as this week.

“He’s got to catch up a little bit with his bat,” Martinez said. “Right now, he’s about 85 percent and he feels no pain, so that’s good.”

Harrison expands utility role
Speaking of the outfield, the Nats got a look at utility player Josh Harrison in center field. Harrison has played every position except for center and pitcher over his 10-year career, but he does have 738 2/3 innings between right and left field. Martinez was impressed by Harrison’s reads and jumps on the ball in Saturday's "B" game.

“He looked good out there,” Martinez said. “He ran some balls down. [It’s] just a testament to him and what he means to this ball club. He can do a lot of different things and do them well.”

Cluff’s bat has 'pop'
Infielder Jackson Cluff, ranked by MLB Pipeline as Washington’s No. 17 prospect, belted a three-run homer to right field on Saturday. Cluff was a sixth-round pick in 2019 who competed last season at the Nationals’ alternate training site. The 24-year-old has garnered praise for his defense, and he showed power at the plate against the Astros.

“I really like him,” Martinez said. “As you can see, he’s not a big guy, but he’s got some pop in his bat. I like the way he plays shortstop, second base. He loves to play the game.”

Saturday singalong
As part of their morning music, one of the Nationals’ celebratory songs from their 2019 World Series championship run played throughout the stadium -- “Calma” by Pedro Capó.

“I have no idea [who picked it],” Martinez said. “But the playlist was pretty good.”