As Washington braved another unrelenting cold spell Thursday, the Nationals dropped a glimmer of hope, of sun and warmth on the horizon in announcing their spring training report dates.
Pitchers and catchers will report to the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Feb. 14 for the club’s second spring training at the facility. Position players will report Feb. 19, and the first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 21.
Washington is slated to have two days of workouts before beginning their 32-game Grapefruit League schedule Feb. 23 against the Houston Astros, their fellow tenants and defending World Series champions. The Nationals will be the “visiting” team for the opener and will play 18 games at their home ballpark — 15 as the home team. A year after a rushed opening of the ballpark, the facility is expected to be better prepared for the two clubs this season.
The Nationals close their exhibition slate with a game against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park on March 27 before opening their regular season on the road against the Cincinnati Reds two days later.
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