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Nationals Players Experiment with New Positions in Spring Training
Several Nats stars are getting looks at unfamiliar spots on the diamond this preseason.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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The Washington Nationals are using Spring Training to get their players experience at new positions on the field. Second baseman Luis García Jr. is getting reps at first base, middle infielder Nasim Nuñez is playing third base for the first time, and outfielders Daylen Lile and James Wood are taking turns in both corner outfield spots. Manager Blake Butera wants to get the players comfortable at these new positions in case injuries or matchups require them to play there during the regular season.
Why it matters
Positional flexibility is valuable in baseball, allowing teams to adapt their lineups and field their best players even when injuries or other factors force changes. The Nationals are proactively getting their players experience at new spots to build that versatility ahead of the season.
The details
Butera said the team isn't "experimenting" but rather "getting those guys some time" at new positions. For García, it's about making sure he's comfortable at first base, like knowing where to position himself on certain plays. Nuñez is adjusting to the different vantage point at third base, especially when defending bunts. And Lile and Wood are splitting time in left and right field to see where they're most comfortable.
- The Nationals are working on these position changes during Spring Training in March 2026.
The players
Luis García Jr.
The Nationals' starting second baseman who is getting reps at first base this spring.
Nasim Nuñez
A middle infielder for the Nationals who is playing third base for the first time.
Daylen Lile
A Nationals outfielder with experience in all three outfield positions who is splitting time in left and right field.
James Wood
A Nationals outfielder who has primarily played center field but is also getting looks in the corner outfield spots.
Blake Butera
The first-year manager of the Washington Nationals.
What they’re saying
“It's not really experimenting. It's experience and getting those guys some time there.”
— Blake Butera, Manager (mlb.com)
“The biggest thing for me is I don't want guys to be put in a position they've never played before, that don't feel comfortable, in a game that counts.”
— Blake Butera, Manager (mlb.com)
“It was probably a little bit different than I expected.”
— Nasim Nuñez (mlb.com)
What’s next
The Nationals will continue to evaluate the players' performances at their new positions throughout the rest of Spring Training to determine the best lineup configurations for the start of the regular season.
The takeaway
By proactively getting their players experience at new positions during Spring Training, the Nationals are building roster flexibility that could pay dividends if injuries or other factors force them to shuffle their lineup during the regular season.
