Sunday, February 23

Welcome to the Spring Training edition of the Nationals Beat newsletter! This is your stop for the latest on and off the field, from news to exclusive player interviews and insights, brought to you by MLB.com club reporter Jessica Camerato.

Imagine it’s your first day at a new job. 

You are getting to know your new colleagues, and you already have a chance to showcase your skills in front of your manager. 

And no pressure, but the person who you admired growing up and influenced your career path is there, too. 

There was an audience for Shinnosuke Ogasawara’s first Spring Training workout on Friday morning. As he stepped into the bullpen at CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches -- to throw a notable 40 pitches -- former Major Leaguer Daisuke Matsuzaka was among those watching.

Matsuzaka is a baseball commentator, a role he took on after a 23-year career in baseball. He also was a reassuring presence for Ogasawara.

"For him, Daisuke is his dad,” Ogasawara said via interpreter Jumpei Ohashi. “He’s looking for him as his father today. … He felt very comfortable pitching and everything because he was there.” 

Ogasawara, 27, and Matsuzaka, 44, both played on the Chunichi Dragons in 2018 and ‘19. Matsuzaka helped Ogasawara as Ogasawara developed a career that led him to a two-year contract with the Nationals in January. 

Ogasawara is now looking to establish himself in the Major Leagues, where Matsuzaka pitched eight seasons and won the 2007 World Series in Boston. From ‘07-14, Matsuzaka was 56-43 with a 4.45 ERA in 158 starts between the Red Sox and Mets. 

“It’s tremendous,” said manager Dave Martinez. “Here’s a guy that came over and had a really unbelievable career and did some really special things. [Ogasawara] should pick his brain on how he made the adjustments to come here. But to see [Matsuzaka] out there and to see him watching [Ogasawara], it’s pretty awesome.”  

Ogasawara sat down with Matsuzaka after the workout for an interview. For the advice Matsuzaka has offered and the time they have spent together, Ogasawara still looks up to the iconic right-hander. 

“He’s a superstar on the TV,” Ogasawara said. 

Matsuzaka wasn’t the only familiar face Ogasawara was greeted by on Friday. Nationals first-base coach Gerardo Parra played in Japan in 2020 with the Yomiuri Giants, and they had an energetic reunion. 

“Parra went over there and played there, so he understands their culture as well,” Martinez said. “[Ogasawara] knows Parra as ‘Baby Shark.’ I told Parra, ‘Just make him feel comfortable.’”

The Nationals would have had two towering heat-throwing 20-year-old prospects in Major League Spring Training, if not for an injury. 

Jarlin Susana (Nationals No. 4, MLB No. 79) is in big league camp. Travis Sykora (Nats No. 2, MLB No. 70) also would have received an invite, but he underwent a minor labrum surgery in his hip this winter. 


"Sykora would have been here if he didn't have the hip issues,” general manager Mike Rizzo said. “They would've both been here. But they earned it.”


Sykora, the 2024 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, is projected to return to game action in May.

Feb. 18: Full squad first workout

Feb. 21: Photo day

Feb. 22: Spring Training opener at Astros

March 14: Spring Breakout at Astros

March 16: Spring Breakout vs. Mets

With a heavy heart and fond memories, I dedicate this newsletter to Tim Curran. Tim passed away recently at age 57. 

Tim was an editor at the Washington Post and Roll Call, a Nationals fan, my neighbor, and -- above all -- my friend. Whether it was during a holiday gathering or running into each other on the street, Tim was always up for talking about baseball. 

He read every edition of this newsletter, and he shared insight early on that made a lasting impression on how I approach this content. After reading an article on top prospects, he told me he wanted to know more about the Minor League players beyond the rankings. Tim was curious, and he was excited for the Nationals' future. 

It is sad to be at Spring Training knowing Tim isn’t with us any longer, but I hope he has the best seat in the house for games this season.

To subscribe to Nationals Beat, visit this page and mark "Nationals Beat" from our newsletter list. Make sure you're following the Nationals or that they're checked as your favorite team.

View Online

© 2025 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. MLB trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com. Any other marks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Please review our Privacy Policy.

You (mlb-newsletters@mlb.com) received this message because you registered to receive commercial email messages or purchased a ticket from MLB. 

Please add info@marketing.mlbemail.com to your address book to ensure our messages reach your inbox. If you no longer wish to receive commercial email messages from MLB.com, please unsubscribe or log in and manage your email subscriptions.

Postal Address: MLB.com, c/o MLB Advanced Media, L.P., 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.