Dan Uggla is starting at second base for the Washington Nationals in their Opening Day match-up against the New York Mets.
With Anthony Rendon out with a knee injury, the door was opened for Uggla to get some early playing time. He followed up a poor season with a strong spring and may be able to catch fire early for the Nationals.
The full Nationals roster for Opening Day is: Michael Taylor CF, Yunel Escobar 3B, Bryce Harper RF, Ryan Zimmerman 1B, Wilson Ramos C, Ian Desmond SS, Uggla 2B, Tyler Moore LF, Max Scherzer SP.
No contract progress with Jordan Zimmerman
The Nationals have still not been able to work out a new contract with starting pitcher Jordan Zimmerman.
There had been a deadline of Opening Day for the two to work out a new deal so it is assumed that talks will now be tabled.
Zimmerman is coming off a fine season in which he had a 2.66 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 182/29 K/BB ratio in 199 2/3 innings last season. If Zimmerman is allowed to hit the open market then he will earn himself a fine payday.