Strange-Gordon went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran infielder hasn't seen regular action in the majors since 2019 and spent all of last season bouncing between three different Triple-A affiliates, but Strange-Gordon is making a strong case for a bench spot with the Nationals by batting .448 (13-for-29) this spring. Aiding his push for a spot on the 40-man roster is the fact that both Alcides Escobar (neck) and Ehire Adrianza (quadriceps) are banged up right now and may not be ready for Opening Day, while the organization has already decided prospect Luis Garcia needs more seasoning at Triple-A. The Nats have a track record of rehabilitating the careers of players seemingly in the twilight of their careers, with Escobar, Josh Harrison and Howie Kendrick all providing recent examples, and Strange-Gordon did steal 22 bases for the Mariners during that 2019 campaign. If he does break camp with the club and Escobar is unavailable, the 33-year-old would likely be competing with Lucius Fox for playing time at shortstop out of the gate.