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Not a whole lot to report from the Nationals' Tuesday workout, which ran a little shorter than usual because of high winds and a few showers in Viera. Here's what I've got for you, though:
Stephen Strasburg threw, and for the first time, hitters swung. Thankfully, this will only qualify as news for another day or two (and by saying that, I'm opening myself up to obvious follow-up jokes about whether it's news now. Hey, you wanted this guy).
At any rate, Eric Bruntlett was the first to take a hack against Strasburg, hitting a chopper between short and third that probably would have been snapped up by Ryan Zimmerman.
Bruntlett also missed badly on a slider, and Roger Bernadina, whose hard grounder to third might have gone for a base hit, was impressed by the progress of Strasburg's changeup.
That's a point worth making, because it's that pitch that many believe will be the key for Strasburg excelling in the majors, especially against left-handed hitters.
Scott Olsen will start Monday's game against the Marlins, yet another sign the Nationals are counting on him to be their third starter at the end of camp.
He's coming off shoulder surgery, but has said he feels good enough to keep progressing through camp and working toward Opening Day.
Mike Morse, one of the candidates for a bench spot, is going to play all over the infield and possibly in the outfield, manager Jim Riggleman said.
If Morse makes the team, the Nationals could potentially have three players on their bench who can play multiple positions: him, Eric Bruntlett and Willie Harris.
