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The Nationals' bench struggled when pressed into action a season ago, as the group only mustered a combined .143 batting average with 18 RBI.
With stars Jayson Werth, Denard Span and Anthony Rendon likely to open the year on the disabled list, the Nationals know bench production will be key early on in the season. The Nationals bring back some guys that came off the bench a year go, including Danny Espinosa, Kevin Frandsen and Jose Lobaton.
Their numbers will need to improve for the Nationals to sustain success offensively, especially when dealing with injuries.
One possibility to take a bench spot is Tony Gwynn Jr., who's hitting .375 with two RBI this spring.
"You want to set a tone for the team, especially when you are missing cogs like Rendon, Werth and Span," Gwynn said via MLB.com. "You have to be able to fill those voids. There are reasons they are paid the top money they are paid. They are not easy cogs to replace. You try to piece it together as a team and hope you can keep the ship afloat until those guys get back."
