Lobaton is hitting .316 (6-for-19) through 12 games this spring.

EDGE Analysis

He's also struck out seven times, however, and with Nationals' starting catcher Wilson Ramos seemingly headed for a big year following LASIK surgery to correct an eyesight issue, playing time could be hard for Lobaton to come by in 2016. He might hit a little better than last season's .199/.279/.294 line, but don't expect a big increase on his 136 at-bats.

Lobaton signed a one-year contract with the Nationals on Wednesday, avoiding arbitration, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

His ability behind the plate represents the totality of Lobaton's real-life value, as he's a major net negative with the bat. Look for Lobaton to open 2016 as the team's primary backup barring injury.

Loboton went 3-for-4 Saturday with a two-run home run off Julio Teheran, his second homer of the season. He's owned Teheran in his career, and Saturday's performance just added to the dominance. Loboton hasn't seen a lot of work behind Wilson Ramos so far, but he's now hitting .304/.429/.565 in 23 at-bats on the season.

Lobaton went 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI against the Cardinals on Friday. He's hitting just .207.281/.345 this spring in 29 at-bats, but Lobaton is locked is as the Nationals' number two catcher, a role that has more playing time potential than most backup gigs given Wilson Ramos' inability to stay healthy.

Lobaton agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Nationals on Thursday, Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reports. Lobaton had a good decent season for the Nationals in 2014, playing in 66 games as the backup to Wilson Ramos. He finished the campaign with a .234/.287/.304 batting line, hitting two home runs and driving in 12 on the season. He figures to fit into the same role again in 2015.

Lobaton was tendered a contract prior to Tuesday's deadline. The Nationals like his defense and game-calling behind the plate, so Lobaton will return as an affordable backup to Wilson Ramos.

Lobaton got the start on Sunday, going 3-for-4 with a double, three runs scored and an RBI. With Wilson Ramos healthy, Lobaton is only seeing occasional game action right now. Don't expect that to change down the stretch unless Ramos breaks down again.

Jose Lobaton (shin) is back in Tuesday's lineup against the Dodgers. Lobaton missed back-to-back starts with a bruised shin, but it was never a major concern. He'll bat eighth Tuesday against Clayton Kershaw.

Jose Lobaton (shin) is out of the lineup for the second straight day Monday. Lobaton was hit in the shin by a pitch during Saturday's game and is dealing with some soreness. He's available if needed Monday, but the Nationals would likely prefer resting him for another day.

Nationals acquired C Jose Lobaton, LHP Felipe Rivero, and OF Drew Vettleson from the Rays for RHP Nate Karns. The Rays and Nats worked on this trade for over a month and finally found a four-player match on Thursday. Lobaton, 29, hit .249/.320/.394 with seven home runs and 32 RBI in 100 games last season for Tampa Bay. He became expendable when the Rays acquired Ryan Hanigan and will likely serve as Washington's backup catcher in 2014.