The New York Mets and Washington Nationals are set to face off today, March 7, 2025, at 6:05 PM EST at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. With Opening Day fast approaching, both teams are looking to fine-tune their rosters and get key players into game shape.
For the Mets, today’s game is another opportunity for the Mets to evaluate Paul Blackburn, who takes the mound as he looks to rebound from a rough start to the spring. The lineup features a mix of regulars like Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Francisco Álvarez, along with players battling for roster spots, such as Jose Azocar and Alexander Canario.
On the Nationals’ side, Trevor Williams will get the start, aiming to solidify his place in the rotation. Washington continues to assess its young core, including top prospects and depth players, as they work to build a competitive roster for the future.
New York Mets:
- Francisco Lindor (S) SS
- Francisco Álvarez (R) C
- Pete Alonso (R) 1B
- Mark Vientos (R) 3B
- Jeff McNeil (L) 2B
- Joey Meneses (R) DH
- Tyrone Taylor (R) CF
- Alexander Canario (R) RF
- José Azocar (R) LF
New York Mets: Paul Blackburn (RHP) – Spring stats: 0-1, 11.57 ERA, 1 SO
4 Things to watch for the New York Mets:
- Paul Blackburn’s Performance: Blackburn’s spring has been challenging, with an 11.57 ERA over his appearances. Today’s game offers him a chance to find his rhythm and make a case for his role in the rotation.
- Francisco Álvarez Behind the Plate: Álvarez, the Mets’ young catcher, is gaining valuable experience this spring.Observing his chemistry with the pitching staff and his defensive development will be key. He’s also continuing to make strides at the plate with the work he’s done in the offseason.
- Mark Vientos at Third Base: Vientos’ offensive potential is well-noted, but his defensive performance at third base has been shaky the last few game. We’ll see if he can settle in and start showing his potential on the field and plate.
- Outfield Depth Evaluation: With players like Tyrone Taylor, Alexander Canario, and José Azocar in the lineup, the Mets are assessing their outfield depth for some of the final spots on the roster.
Washington Nationals
- CJ Abrams (L) – SS
- Dylan Crews (R) – CF
- James Wood (L) – LF
- Josh Bell (S) – DH
- Keibert Ruiz (S) – C
- Luis García Jr. (L) – 2B
- Paul DeJong (R) – 3B
- Alex Call (R) – RF
- Nathaniel Lowe (L) – 1B
Washington Nationals: Trevor Williams (RHP) – Spring stats: 1-0, 6.23 ERA, 3 SO
Four Things to Watch for the Washington Nationals:
- Trevor Williams’ Start: Williams has had a mixed spring, with a 6.23 ERA. Monitoring his command and ability to navigate the Mets’ lineup will be crucial for his rotation spot.
- Prospects’ Opportunities: Spring training is a platform for young talents. Keep an eye on which prospects get playing time and how they perform against major league competition.
- Offensive Consistency: The Nationals aim to establish a steady offensive rhythm. Their approach against Blackburn will provide insights into their lineup’s readiness.
- Defensive Alignments: Spring games often feature experimentation with defensive positions. Observing how the Nationals position their players can offer clues about their strategic plans for the season.
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