MASN to broadcast seven Nationals spring training games

With pitchers and catchers reporting in 36 days, spring training is nearing for the Nationals. MASN announced today it will broadcast seven Nationals games during the 2016 Grapefruit League season, beginning with a March 10 home contest against the Astros at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla.

The Astros, the winner of the American League wild card game, are one of four matchups against 2015 playoff teams to be featured on MASN. The network will also bring you live coverage of home games against the National League Central champion Cardinals on March 13, the NL East champion Mets on March 19, the AL wild card representative Yankees on March 23 and the Braves on March 27.

In addition, MASN will broadcast the exhibition games on April 1 and April 2 when the Twins visit Nationals Park for their final tune-ups before opening day.

MASN will replay all afternoon games on the same day in prime time.

Of course, I'll be on site from Day One, bringing you around-the-clock coverage on MASNsports.com as well as Twitter (@masnCJ) and Facebook. Who looks good? Which prospects are emerging? Is the team jelling with new manager Dusty Baker? Those are just some of the questions facing the Nationals heading into 2016.

The complete MASN spring training schedule for the Nationals is as follows:

* Thursday, March 10 at 5 p.m., Houston Astros vs. Nationals
* Sunday, March 13 at 1 p.m., St. Louis Cardinals vs. Nationals (replay at 7 p.m.)
* Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m., New York Mets vs. Nationals (replay at 7 p.m.)
* Wednesday, March 23 at 5 p.m., New York Yankees vs. Nationals
* Sunday, March 27 at 1 p.m., Atlanta Braves vs. Nationals (replay at 7 p.m.)
* Friday, April 1 at 6 p.m., Minnesota Twins vs. Nationals at Nationals Park
* Saturday, April 2 at noon, Minnesota Twins vs. Nationals at Nationals Park (replay at 7 p.m.)