There were no surprises when the Washington Nationals finalized their season-opening 25-man roster Sunday afternoon, nearly 24 hours before their Opening Day matchup on Monday against the New York Mets.
Left-handed reliever Xavier Cedeno and second baseman Dan Uggla each made the team, as expected, while five big-league players will open the season on the 15-day disabled list.
Left fielder Jayson Werth, who is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and third baseman Anthony Rendon, who has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, will each begin the season on the disabled list, retroactive to March 27.
Center fielder Denard Span (abdominal surgery), reserve outfielder Nate McLouth (offseason shoulder surgery) and reliever Casey Janssen (right rotator cuff tendinitis) will also enter the year on the DL, as will right-hander Erik Davis, a minor-leaguer who is recovering after having Tommy John surgery prior to last season.
Due in part to those injuries, three non-roster invitees will make the team on Opening Day. Uggla may start at second base against the Mets on Monday, while outfielder/first baseman Clint Robinson and outfielder Reed Johnson are expected to contribute off the bench.
Robinson was told he would make the team following Saturday’s exhibition game against the New York Yankees, when Mike Carp, who would have filled a similar role, was re-assigned to minor-league camp. Cedeno’s spot was also all but ensured Saturday after left-handed reliever Rich Hill was sent to Triple-A Syracuse.
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
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