Mitchell Parker

Parker scattered seven hits and kept Philadelphia's strong lineup off the board into the late innings before Washington's bullpen finished off a near-shutout. He struck out five and only handed out a pair of free passes. The 25-year-old lefty compiled a pedestrian 4.72 ERA and 20.6 percent strikeout rate last year across 29 starts, so we're not anticipating this level of near-elite performance moving forward. He'll aim to keep the momentum going on Saturday when he faces a loaded Diamondbacks lineup at home.

Sosa, who filled in for an injured Trea Turner (back) in a pair of weekend contests against the Nationals, was one of the few bright spots in this one as Nationals starter Mitchell Parker and a quartet of relievers held the Phillies to just one run on eight hits. The 29-year-old utility infielder has posted four hits in eight at-bats to open the season and should continue to play regularly against lefties.

Turner was a late scratch for Saturday's game due to back spasms. The 31-year-old shortstop wasn't even in the initial lineup for the Phillies on Sunday. Edmundo Sosa is batting sixth and playing shortstop against Washington left-hander Mitchell Parker.

The Nationals announced on Friday that they’ve optioned left-handers Shinnosuke Ogasawara and DJ Herz to Triple-A Rochester. Infielder Nasim Nunez and catcher Drew Millas were also sent down. As Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com writes, this essentially finalizes Mitchell Parker as the season-opening fifth starter. Manager Dave Martinez said early in camp that MacKenzie Gore, Trevor Williams, Michael Soroka and Jake Irvin had rotation spots…

The Nationals aren't waiting until the final days of spring training to make major decisions regarding their Opening Day roster, as sending out both Herz and Ogasawara likely means that Mitchell Parker will open the season as the fifth and final starter in the club's rotation. Nunez was always a longshot to head north in a reserve role, though he should get a chance with the Nats at some point during the 2025 season.