Garcia (hamstring) is starting at second base and batting cleanup in Friday's Grapefruit League tilt against the Astros, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Garcia is ready for his spring training debut after missing nearly a week of action due to tightness in his left hamstring. The 25-year-old is tentatively lined up to be the Nationals' primary second baseman this season, though he could also see ample playing time at first base on days the club wants to put Nasim Nunez at the keystone.

Garcia is out of the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against Houston due to left hamstring tightness, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals are viewing Garcia as day-to-day, so it doesn't seem like he's dealing with anything too serious. The 25-year-old figures to open the season as Washington's primary second baseman, though he's also been taking reps at first base this spring.

Garcia will split his time between second base and first base during spring training, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals don't have a clear starter at first base, and Garcia's defense at the keystone has been below average the last two seasons. However, the 25-year-old has been a passable offensive contributor during that time, posting a combined .267/.304/.428 slash line in 2023-24 with 34 homers and 36 steals in 279 games, and he should be in the starting lineup at one of those two positions on Opening Day. Andres Chaparro and prospect Abimelec Ortiz, acquired from Texas in the MacKenzie Gore trade, would appear to be the other main competitors for Washington's first base job.

The Nationals and Garcia avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear what Garcia's salary will be, but he'll receive a raise after making $4.5 million in 2025. The second baseman slashed .252/.289/.412 with 16 home runs and 14 stolen bases across 139 games this past season. Garcia will be eligible for salary arbitration a final time next winter.

Garcia went 3-for-4 with three home runs and four RBI in Friday's 10-9 loss to the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Garcia did his best to spark a comeback from an early seven-run deficit, slugging three home runs for the first time in his career. The effort was especially encouraging for the 25-year-old, who had gone just 3-for-32 since his last multi-hit game Sept. 10. On the season, he's slashing .255/.291/.417 with 16 homers, 66 RBI, 66 runs scored and 13 steals across 519 plate appearances.

Garcia will start at first base and bat fifth in Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

It marks the first time in pro ball that Garcia has ever played first base. It's also Garcia's first start since Friday, as he was out of the lineup for each of the last three games. Nasim Nunez is handling second base for the Nationals on Tuesday and could be threatening to overtake Garcia at the keystone.

Garcia is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Atlanta, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed-hitting Garcia will hit the bench for the third game in a row, with the Nationals having faced two lefties and one righty during that stretch. Paul DeJong will get the nod at second base Monday in Garcia's stead.

Garcia is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

With southpaw Sean Manaea opening the game for the Mets, the left-handed-hitting Garcia will retreat to the bench. Paul DeJong will fill in for Garcia at second base.

Garcia isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

After going 0-for-4 in Friday's series opener, Garcia will step out of the starting nine Saturday while Nasim Nunez starts at second base and bats ninth.

Garcia is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Miami.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed-swinging Garcia will often sit out against lefty hurlers, and that will be the case here as the Marlins start southpaw Ryan Weathers. Nasim Nunez will get the call at second base for the Nationals.