Published Mar 17, 8:27pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 17, 8:27pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Mar 17, 8:27pm ET
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| Washington Nationals | -115 |
| Miami Marlins | -105 |
Braxton Garrett was the Marlins' 1st round draft pick in 2016 (7th overall) and was one of their better starters in 2022-23. However, he suffered an elbow injury in 2024 and needed Tommy John surgery. He missed the entire 2025 season and is working his way back, likely to make the big league roster.
Garrett has made 2 starts this spring, tossing 4 innings, striking out 3 and walking 3. He's allowed earned runs. The results, however, are secondary to his velocity, which has been in the mid-90s.
Miami is 8-12 this spring, but they have not hit at all apart from shortstop Otto Lopez, who's batting .333 with a homer, and an .889 OPS, and Connor Norby, batting .316 with a home run, but zero walks.
Catcher Joe Mack is batting .125, outfielder Andrew Pintar is at .158, and outfielder Daniel Johnson is hitting .222, but has a .391 OBP.
The Nationals signed veteran righty Zack Littell to a 1-year contract to serve as a reliable veteran starter. The 30-year-old posted a 3.81 ERA in 32 starts in 2025, splitting time between the Rays and Reds. He had a 3.2 bWAR.
This spring, he has made 1 start, thrown 3 innings, allowed 3 hits, and 1 earned run. He's simply getting prepared for the regular season and should be available for 4-5 innings, or a specified number of pitches against the Marlins.
The Nationals have played well this spring, winning 13 and losing 7.
Brady House is batting .438 so far with 3 homers and a 1.363 OPS. Outfielder Dylan Crews is batting .107 in 31 plate appearances and has been so bad that he might not even make the team.
Shortstop CJ Abrams, potential trade bait, is hitting .214. Outfielder Daylen Lile is hitting .172.
Neither the Marlins nor the Nationals are expected to contend this year. Miami is further ahead in its rebuild after surprising 79-83 finish in 2025. Still, they are building their roster and today's starter, Garrett, will be imperative to their long-term goals. They will protect him as he returns from TJ surgery.
Littell is in the Nats' rotation and is getting prepared for the season. Washington has barely hit this spring despite its solid record.
The Nationals should take this spring training game in West Palm Beach.
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Washinton Nationals -115
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