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Colome added: The Nationals selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Jesus Colome from the Triple-A affiliate in Columbus. The announcement clears the way for the team to carry 12 pitchers on its roster.
The final 25-man roster will be announced after Saturday's exhibition game against the Orioles, and, assuming no trades or injuries, will include Colome, not fellow reliever Saul Rivera or infielder Kory Casto.
Acta said that in a tight pitching market, it's important to retain good arms when they are found, a category that Colome fits in.
"He's pitching better than we've ever seen him before," Acta said. "It seems like he's pitching now more than throwing, and he's showing that arm strength that's there."
Catching situation: After a strong camp, Rule 5 Draft pickup Jesus Flores has left no doubt that he'll be on the Opening Day roster.
He's currently the No. 2 catcher behind Brian Schneider, who will catch between 140 and 150 games this season. That doesn't leave a lot of time for Flores.
"I'll just keep working hard and waiting for the opportunity to show them I can play," he said. "So far, it is going really well. I'm trying to learn everything they teach me."
He said that Schneider has helped him out by providing some tips on what to expect from the different pitchers on the staff. He's also helped his own cause by batting well, including several big hits against Major League pitching.
With Flores in place as the backup catcher, Robert Fick is freed up to be a utility player, used wherever the coaching staff decides he is needed on a daily basis. Acta said it was tough for Fick to adjust to that position.
"At the beginning of Spring Training, I heard him say he wanted to be the everyday this or the everyday that," Acta said. "He has finally come to terms and accepted his role, which is the biggest thing, and he takes pride in that."
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The Official Site of The Washington Nationals: News: Washington Nationals News
I thought that Casto might have a pretty good chance to make the team because of the injury to Nook Logan but it appears unlikely that he will. Make no mistake about it, however, he is not getting cut because of his play, he played great this preseason (.286/.357/.388) but their simply a surplus of outfielders at this time. I can guarantee that he will be starting somewhere for the Nats by the end of the season.
Im fairly surprised that Colome made the team over Rivera but not too dissapointed about it. Ive seen Colome quite a bit from his days with the D-Rays playing the Red Sox and he has a very good fastball he just has trouble with his control and breaking pitches at times. I also saw Rivera play the Red Sox last year and wasn't particularly impressed with his velocity or control.
Casto unlikely to make team, Colome Does
Casto unlikely to make team, Colome Does
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