Worth noting

• As planned, Stephen Strasburg will start the Nationals' first Spring Training game on Saturday against the Mets in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The listed relievers for the opener are Craig Stammen, Brandon Mann, Fernando Abad, Erik Davis, Cole Kimball and Patrick McCoy.

Zimmermann will start Sunday against the Marlins in the spring home opener. He's slated to be followed by Zach Duke, Yunesky Maya, Jeremy Accardo, Will Ohman, Drew Storen and Tanner Roark.

• Davey Johnson said he intends to use Ramos as a designated hitter for the first home game Sunday, and likely every other game for a short while thereafter.

"I just want to give him the time to not rush into it," Johnson said. "But he's looking great. He's doing more than his share of catching."

• Pitcher Henry Rodriguez is expected to throw from a mound for the first time either Sunday or Monday.