“Most of them are going to stay in the system, which is good. We offered them all to stay in the system, but some guys have outs and might exercise them,” Baker said. “But I’d like to keep them in the system, because they might come into play before the season’s over.”

The Nationals also sent right-handers A.J. Cole and Trevor Gott to minor league camp, and assigned both of them to Class AAA Syracuse. Both Cole and Gott battled injuries this spring; Gott had forearm trouble, Cole a sore triceps. Both had resumed throwing as of last week, but did not mount charges for major league roster spots. Cole will likely be one of the first pitchers called up to start if the Nationals need a spot starter, though his situation is complicated by the fact that he was suspended for five games at the end of last season for throwing at Pirates’ third baseman Jung Ho Kang. Cole served two of the five days at the end of last season, but will be suspended for three games if he is called up. Spot starters are normally needed on short notice, making him a complicated choice in case of emergency.

AD

AD

Gott, who the Nationals acquired in the deal for Yunel Escobar last winter, made five appearances this spring in a short-lived attempt to impress Nationals’ decision-makers enough to contend for a spot. The 24-year-old pitched to a 6.23 ERA in those five appearances.

Cotts, meanwhile, compiled a strong spring. He made nine appearances in which he pitched to a 3.00 ERA, threw strikes and looked strong. Cotts, who worked with pitching coach Mike Maddux in Texas, indicated an appreciation for winning and the opportunity the organization gave him when asked about it last week. That he is heading to Syracuse means he could be called on for bullpen depth later this season.

The same is true of Turner, who could also serve as a spot starter if needed. Turner said Tuesday night he prefers to start, and has done so for much of his career. His high-powered stuff could fit well in the bullpen or the rotation, should he ever learn to harness it, which is what the Nationals hope they can help him do. Turner earned a 5.50 ERA in seven appearances this spring.

AD

AD

The cuts leave one nonroster pitcher in major league camp, right-hander Jeremy Guthrie, who tossed four innings of one-run ball Tuesday night and continues to make a strong case for a spot as the Nationals’ long man. The club might not take a long man on its Opening Day roster, but it looks the Nationals want Guthrie to stick around just in case.

The only position player jettisoned Wednesday was catcher Jhonatan Solano, who hit .550 in 16 spring games. Solano was re-assigned to Syracuse, as expected, since Jose Lobaton is entrenched as the big league backup to Matt Wieters.

With Solano gone, two position players remain without certain roster spots — Michael A. Taylor and Wilmer Difo. Should the Nationals carry the usual five-man bench, one of those players will earn the final spot, the other will likely head to the minors.

AD

AD