SHOCKER?: Washington Nationals Option Harry Ford, Get Ready For A WILD Opening Day Lineup

Washington Nationals shake up their opening day lineup, sending Harry Ford to Triple-A and leaving fans questioning the decision. Is service time manipulation holding back the team’s next generation, or are the Nationals simply not convinced Ford is ready for primetime? Ryan Clary breaks down the evolving catcher situation between Keibert Ruiz, Drew Millas, and Harry Ford, and explores the unexpected first base battle—Luis Garcia Jr. and Andres Chaparro could split time as the Nationals experiment with platoons and five outfielders. The episode tackles Robert Hassell III’s future, Dylan Crews' recent struggles, and the organization’s pivot to analytics under new leadership. Fresh roster strategies, player development philosophies, and a renewed push for change set the stage for the Nats as opening day approaches. Will this bold overhaul pay off in 2026 and beyond? 00:00 "Harry Ford OPTIONED?!" 03:20 Millas vs. Nationals Catcher Dilemma 07:52 "Nationals' Catcher Decision Debate" 13:00- First Base Dilemma 16:33 Ortiz's Role Uncertain 18:45 Nationals' Outfield Decisions Loom 26:08 "Nationals' Embrace of Analytics" Follow Ryan Clary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ryanclary11 Follow Locked On Nationals on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LO_Nationals   Everydayer Club Link: https://lockedonnationals.supercast.com/   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PlayStation This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE. Turbo Tax Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.    Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today. Robinhood You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.