After a busy offseason, the Washington Nationals kick off the 2023 season with a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves, followed by a three-game set vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. The first homestand of the season features several fun promotions and events for fans of all ages, including an Opening Day City Connect t-shirt and the first of four Patriotic Series games with Military Appreciation Day.

Single-game tickets for all Nationals home games are on sale now. The Nationals open their 2023 campaign at Nationals Park on Thursday, March 30, against the Atlanta Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET and gates will be open to fans at 11:30 a.m. ET. Tickets are available at nats.com/OpeningDay.

As a reminder, if you would like to cover any events at Nationals Park, please contact Valerie Todryk Krebs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Gabrielle Scheder-Bieschin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Devon Bridges at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for credentialing information in advance of the event. 

THURSDAY, MARCH 30 vs. ATLANTA BRAVES (1:05 PM ET)

• Opening Day City Connect T-Shirt

o   The first 20,000 fans will receive an Opening Day City Connect t-shirt presented by PenFed.

The Orioles today announced the club’s 2023 Opening Day roster. 

The Orioles’ 26-man roster includes:

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Selected the contract of C Anthony Bemboom. He will wear #37.
• Placed RHP Mychal Givens on the 15-day Injured List with left knee inflammation, retroactive to March 27.
• Placed C James McCann on the 10-day Injured List with a left oblique strain, retroactive to March 27.
• Placed LHP John Means on the 60-day Injured List with left elbow UCL surgery.
• Placed RHP Dillon Tate on the 15-day Injured List with a right elbow flexor strain, retroactive to March 27.
• Optioned RHP Joey Krehbiel to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Washington Nationals announced their 2023 Opening Day roster and corresponding moves on Thursday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

Washington Nationals Philanthropies, the official charitable arm of the Washington Nationals Baseball Club, hosted its annual signature fundraising event Tuesday night, honoring former Nationals player Ryan Zimmerman with its Power of Baseball Award. The Nationals Homecoming Gala, held at The Anthem at The Wharf, raised nearly $1 million to further Nationals Philanthropies’ community impact work and was attended by members of the Lerner family, the Washington Nationals baseball club and front office, and representatives from several prominent local organizations and philanthropists. Auction items can continue to be bid upon until 8 p.m. ET tomorrow, March 30, at nats.com/Homecoming.

The Power of Baseball Award, presented by The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation, is Washington Nationals Philanthropies’ most illustrious award, and recognizes an individual, corporation, organization or local group that embodies the positive character and level of achievement exemplified throughout the game of baseball.

The first-ever player drafted by the Nationals, Zimmerman played 17 seasons with the organization – including a historic World Series championship run – before retiring in 2022. Aptly nicknamed “Mr. National,” Zimmerman has proven himself a leader on the field and in the community. He is the first current or former player to receive the foundation’s Power of Baseball Award.

“Throughout his career, Ryan Zimmerman was a leader, an inspiration, and a tireless advocate for our community,” said Tal Alter, CEO of Nationals Philanthropies. “Off the field, Ryan’s dedication to numerous charitable initiatives including his own ziMS Foundation show that he is a driving force for good. It is with great pleasure that we recognize his contributions to the region and the game of baseball with the 2023 Power of Baseball Award.”

Zimmerman is the largest individual donor to Nationals Philanthropies over the past decade and has been a consistent supporter of Scholar Athletes at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, having visited the program numerous times over the years. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zimmerman and his wife Heather spearheaded a relief campaign to provide health care professionals with support, resources and meals. During his playing career, Zimmerman was the club’s Roberto Clemente Award nominee six times and received the “Good Guy” Award by D.C. media twice since it was first established in 2016.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Washington Nationals Opening Day game on Thursday, March 30, at 1:05 p.m ET.

“We are honored to have Ambassador Markarova join us as we celebrate the start of the baseball season,” said Washington Nationals managing principal owner Mark D. Lerner. “We deeply admire Ambassador Markarova’s leadership and courage, and the strength of all Ukrainian people, during this most difficult time, and we are proud to lend our support as we stand with Ukraine.”

Ambassador Oksana Markarova will be joined on the field by her daughter Anna, as well as Oleksandr Rozhkov, Military Attaché at the Embassy of Ukraine to the United States.

“I am honored to start this Opening Day, and I am sincerely grateful to all Americans for standing with Ukraine as we fight for our homes, dignity, freedom, and independence. This war has already claimed the lives of hundreds of Ukrainian athletes and coaches, including one baseball player who fought within the ranks of Ukrainian armed forces. Since the very first days of Russia’s large-scale military aggression, thousands of Ukrainian athletes volunteered to defend their country, 56 baseball players among them. We share the passion for freedom and baseball with the USA, and we will win together,” said the Ambassador.

Oksana Markarova was appointed the Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States and arrived in Washington, D.C. on Apr 20, 2021. She served in Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance in 2015-20 as First deputy Minister and Government commissioner on investments and then since 2018 as a Minister of Finance. Ambassador Markarova serves on the Boards of UkraineHouse DC foundation in Washington D.C.; Kyiv-Mohyla Academy; Ukrainian Development Foundation and supports Ukrainian Catholic University and Ukrainian Press Museum-Archive. She holds BS and MS degrees in Environmental Science from Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine and MPA in public finance from Indiana University with academic excellency and best international student awards. Markarova is married with four children and a grandson.

RHP Andrew Politi has cleared waivers and been returned to the Boston Red Sox.

The Orioles have selected the contract of LHP Danny Coulombe. He will wear No. 54.

In addition, they have designated RHP Andrew Politi for assignment.

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

Acquired LHP Danny Coulombe (KOO-lohm) from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations. He has not yet reported.

2019 World Series champion Gerardo Parra, who endeared himself to Nationals fans and baseball lovers across the globe with his “Baby Shark” walk-up music, will kick off 2023 Opening Day celebrations on Thursday, March 30, by leading the World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales on a parade around Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood.

Parra, who currently serves as Special Assistant to the General Manager with the Nationals, will ride the hitch as the Clydesdales depart from Nationals Park at the corner of First St. and N St. SE at 10:45 a.m. He will greet fans and pass out giveaways, including autographed memorabilia, along the route, which makes its way east on N St. before heading north on Fourth St. and turning back west on M St. The hitch will then proceed down Half St., where it will stop at Nationals Park’s Center Field Gates at approximately 11:15 a.m. The Budweiser Clydesdales, which are currently celebrating their 90^th anniversary, will be available for photos outside the ballpark until gates open at 11:30 a.m., with one Clydesdale available for additional photos inside the ballpark near the Budweiser Brew House from 12:00-12:30 p.m.

The Washington Nationals face the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 p.m. on Opening Day, Thursday, March 30. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to the neighborhood for pregame festivities and entertainment, including the Clydesdales parade, mascot appearances and more. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., and on-field pregame ceremonies begin at 12:20 p.m. Tickets are available at nats.com/OpeningDay.

Parade Route:

The Orioles have optioned RHP Grayson Rodriguez to Triple-A Norfolk and reassigned RHP Eduard Bazardo, OF Daz Cameron, RHP Reed Garrett, C Maverick Handley, INF Josh Lester, INF Ryan O'Hearn and INF Jordan Westburg to Triple-A Norfolk.

In addition, they have granted INF/OF Franchy Cordero and OF Nomar Mazara their releases.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Optioned RHP Yennier Canó, LHP DL Hall, and RHP Spenser Watkins to minor league camp.

The Orioles’ Spring Training roster currently has 41 players (31+10 NRI).

The Washington Nationals have made the following roster moves:

Optioned to Triple-A Rochester:

INF Jeter Downs

RHP Paolo Espino

The Orioles today announced plans for a series of “Countdown to Opening Day” events leading up to the start of the 2023 regular season. Beginning Wednesday, March 29, and continuing through the Home Opener, fans will have the opportunity to meet the Oriole Bird and some of their favorite Orioles Alumni – as well as the chance to win tickets and other prizes – at happy hours and watch parties throughout Baltimore. A complete list of events follows:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 – ORIOLE BIRD SCHOOL VISIT (PRIVATE EVENT)

The Oriole Bird will greet 450 Brooklyn Park Elementary students as they enter school in the morning. The Bird will give high-fives, take photos, and hand out Orioles t-shirts to students from pre-K to fifth grade.

• When: Wednesday, March 29 at 7:30 a.m.
• Where: Brooklyn Park Elementary School

THURSDAY, MARCH 30 – OPENING DAY WATCH PARTY, presented by Miller Lite

Orioles fans can celebrate the start of the 2023 regular season at the Opening Day Watch Party at MaGerk’s Pub & Grill in Federal Hill as the O’s take on the Red Sox at 2:10 p.m. at Fenway Park. The event will feature special appearances by the Oriole Bird, an autograph session and guest bartending by Orioles Alumni DAVE JOHNSON and JOE ORSULAK, $18 buckets of Miller Lite, games and prizes during commercial breaks, and Orioles giveaways. Additionally, fans in attendance can enter for a chance to win tickets to the Orioles’ Home Opener on Thursday, April 6, against the New York Yankees.

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Reassigned OF Colton Cowser and OF Heston Kjerstad to minor league camp.

The Orioles’ Spring Training roster currently has 44 players (34+10 NRI).

The Washington Nationals announced their Phil Rizzo Scout of the Year Award and the organization’s International Scout of the Year Award on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Vice President and Assistant General Manager of International Operations Johnny DiPuglia made the respective announcements. 

The Phil Rizzo Scout of the Year Award is given annually to the Washington Nationals scout who represents the integrity, character and work ethic exemplified by Mike Rizzo’s late father, Phil Rizzo. Jeff Zona, Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations and General Manager and Director of Pitching Evaluation, is this year’s winner, announced by Mike Rizzo. 

Zona enters his 17th season with Washington and fifth with the added title of Director of Pitching Evaluation. In his role, Zona evaluates First-Year Player Draft prospects with a focus on pitchers. From 2009-13, Zona served as the national crosschecker covering the Eastern region of the United States. He became the national crosschecker after spending the 2008 and 2009 campaigns as a Major League scout. 

“Congratulations to Jeff on taking home this year’s very special award,” said Rizzo. “Jeff was one of my first hires in 2006 and he has been an invaluable member of our staff ever since. His knowledge, work ethic and preparation – especially as it relates to the Draft -  is some of the best I’ve ever seen. He’s a trusted, loyal member of our scouting department, and I am incredibly proud to name him this year’s winner.” 

“I’d like to thank Mike for selecting me as this year’s winner of the Phil Rizzo Scout of the Year Award,” said Zona. “Phil was a legend in the scouting community and was a person I looked up to in scouting and in life. I’m extremely honored to accept this award in his name.”

The Washington Nationals have made the following moves: 

Optioned to Triple-A Rochester: OF Stone Garrett

LHP Jose Ferrer

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

• Optioned LHP Nick Vespi and LHP Bruce Zimmermann to minor league camp.
• Reassigned INF Lewin Díaz, LHP Darwinzon Hernandez, and C Mark Kolozsvary to minor league camp.

The Orioles’ Spring Training roster currently has 46 players (34+12 NRI).

Levy, the new hospitality partner of the Baltimore Orioles, will host a job fair at Oriole Park on Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Warehouse, and those interested in attending should enter through 333 W. Camden St. Complimentary parking will be provided in Lot C. All applicants must be 18 years or older.

The Orioles and Levy announced their partnership in January, which will kick off with the upcoming 2023 season. Levy, the market leader in creating unforgettable hospitality experiences at sports and entertainment venues, will welcome fans to Oriole Park with new signature offerings highlighting the iconic tastes of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay, upgraded technology to allow faster and frictionless check-out options, and new culinary training opportunities for up-and-coming hospitality talent.

Levy and the Orioles look forward to welcoming local talent to be part of the Camden Yards team.

During the third inning of our game against the New York Mets on Tuesday, right-handed pitcher Cade Cavalli sustained a right elbow injury. An MRI has revealed that he has a grade three sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament which will require Tommy John surgery.

While Cade will not pitch in 2023, he continues to be a very important part of our franchise’s future and we look forward to having him back on the mound.

We will provide an update on his surgery when it is available.