Nationals announce opening day roster

The Nationals have established their plan of attack for opening day 2015. General manager Mike Rizzo confirmed the only remaining question marks when he announced the 25-man roster.

Left-hander Xavier Cedeno made the team as a second southpaw out of the bullpen alongside Matt Thornton. And 35-year-old Dan Uggla, considered a longshot at the start of spring training, has secured a spot and might be the team's starting second baseman on opening day.

The breakdown of the roster consists of 12 pitchers (nine right-handers, three left-handers), two catchers, six infielders and five outfielders.

In no surprise, the Nats confirmed that third baseman Anthony Rendon (left MCL sprain), right-hander Casey Janssen (right shoulder tendinitis), right-hander Erik Davis (right elbow surgery) and outfielders Jayson Werth (right shoulder surgery), Denard Span (right core muscle surgery) and Nate McLouth (right shoulder surgery) will all begin the season on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27.

It's likely that roster decisions will be needed early on, as Nationals manager Matt Williams indicated yesterday that Werth could potentially play sometime in the first week of the season. The 35-year-old has been ramping up his rehab by increasing his at-bats in minor league games in Viera, Fla., the past few days. He's flying to D.C., tonight and will be with the Nats for opening day festivities tomorrow. Werth has said since his January surgery that if he could not make it for the start of the season, he would target a return when the Nationals travel to Boston next Monday for the Red Sox home opener at Fenway Park.

Span is probably still a few weeks away, but he has begun full batting practice sessions and played in the field only in a minor league game on Saturday. He'll also be at Nats Park for opening day tomorrow.

Outfielders Matt den Dekker and Reed Johnson may be the most vulnerable when Werth and Span return. Both den Dekker and Johnson made the roster despite just joining the Nats six days ago. den Dekker was acquired in a trade that sent lefty Jerry Blevins to the Mets while Johnson was signed to a minor league contract.

Tyler Moore showed up at spring training out of options, needing to make the opening day roster or be subjected to the waiver wire. Moore made that decision a no-brainer for the Nats by hitting .305 with one homer, a triple, eight doubles and eight RBIs in exhibition action.

Uggla, a three-time All-Star, was one of the surprises of camp. He struggled mightily the past three years as he dealt with vision problems. But after an offseason diagnosis from a doctor and some treatment and rehab, Uggla began seeing the ball very well. He made a strong case throughout the Grapefruit League season, going 12-for-46 with two home runs, three doubles, six RBIs and 13 walks.

Here's the full 25-man roster:

Pitchers (12; 9 RHP, 3 LHP)
RHP Aaron Barrett
RHP Doug Fister
RHP Tanner Roark
RHP Max Scherzer
RHP Craig Stammen
RHP Stephen Strasburg
RHP Drew Storen
RHP Blake Treinen
RHP Jordan Zimmermann
LHP Xavier Cedeno
LHP Gio Gonzalez
LHP Matt Thornton

Catchers (2)
C Jose Lobaton (S)
C Wilson Ramos

Infielders (6)
SS Ian Desmond
INF Yunel Escobar
INF Danny Espinosa
INF/OF Clint Robinson
2B Dan Uggla
1B Ryan Zimmerman

Outfielders (5)
OF Matt den Dekker
RF Bryce Harper
OF Reed Johnson
OF/INF Tyler Moore
CF Michael A. Taylor