First look at Fister heading into a contract year

VIERA, Fla. - The parade of stellar Nationals arms sent to the mound continues today when Doug Fister takes the hill against the New York Yankees. It promises to be the start of an interesting ride for Fister in 2015. The 31-year-old finds himself uncertain of his future as his contract with the Nats expires at the end of the season.

"I don't think there's any pressure," Fister said. "Pressure is what you put on yourself. I want to enjoy the moment as it is. I've prepared myself this offseason, as I always do, try to come in and be as healthy as possible, as consistent as possible, and want to enjoy the moment with these guys."

Last season, it was Fister who was the Nats' prized offseason acquisition. Now this year, it's his former Tigers teammate Max Scherzer in all the headlines. Fister doesn't mind not being as celebrated, though. The 6-foot-8 righty with a devastating sinker led the Nats with a 16-6 record and a 2.41 ERA in 25 starts. He also beat Madison Bumgarner head-to-head to secure Washington's only playoff win in the National League Division Series.

Amazingly, Fister will probably pitch on the bottom side of this star-studded rotation. His career 3.34 ERA is helped by that sinker that induces so many groundball outs. Fister has also pitched in eight different playoff series, compiling a 4-2 record with a 2.60 ERA.

Fister is believable when he says playing this year without a contract won't be a distraction.

"I'm wearing this jersey right now, and that's the most important thing," he said. "I'm a National through and through right now. If it looks in the future that I can stay here, great. If not, I've got to make sure I get my job done and be a part of the team that I'm a part of."

Fister and the Nationals will get a good look at the Yankees today, a team they'll play four times during the regular season in interleague play. The Yankees come to Nationals Park for a two-game set from May 19-20 while the Nats travel to the Bronx from June 9-10.