Williams provides update on pitchers as weather forces Nats off the field

VIERA, Fla. - Heavy rain overnight and more this morning forced the Nationals off the practice fields today. Nationals manager Matt Williams indicated that Saturday was already expected to be a light day with no bullpen throwing sessions scheduled.

"It's a little sloppy out there," Williams said. "Pitchers threw and we hit in the cage. We didn't cancel. But to get out there on the fields and run around - it's unseasonably cool and rainy, so adjustments have to be made sometimes. We got some work done, though."

Pitchers will throw live batting practice for the first time on Sunday. Williams said he'll have a better idea of who he'll send to the mound for Thursday's exhibition opener after tomorrow's session.

"We have to see how they come out of their live BPs, but we've got an idea, we've got a plan for the first three," Williams said.

On Friday night, the Nationals agreed to terms with left-hander Rich Hill on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Williams explained the thought behind adding an additional reliever to the mix.

"Just a veteran," Williams said. "He's been there. He's got big league experience. He's going to be around in the next day or so and get everything checked out, make sure he's ready to go. He's just got experience. So we'll get him in camp and get a good look at him, let him go out and compete. He's here to vie for a spot, so we're glad to have him."

The Angels released Hill last summer after he failed to get an out in two relief appearances. The Yankees signed him to a minor league deal in July. He bounced back and forth from Triple-A to the majors, posting a 1.69 ERA over 14 appearances with New York.

The 34-year-old Hill spent the early part of his career as a starter with the Cubs and Orioles before transitioning to the bullpen. Hill could compete for a role as a situational left-hander. Williams has said he might use his relievers in more matchup situations late in games this year.

One of those relievers that Williams will definitely rely on to get big outs late in games is newcomer Casey Janssen. Williams was asked Saturday if he's been able to familiarize himself with the former Blue Jays closer yet.

"I've seen him throw two bullpens, but we know what he brings," Williams said. "We know he brings back-of-the-bullpen experience, 40-plus saves in a difficult division, as well. So all of that plays into what we know about him. But to get a chance to see him in games for us is going to be key. He's excited to be here I know that. He's working hard."

Williams explained that Janssen's work in the exhibition games won't exactly mirror where the Nationals expect to use him once the regular season comes.

"It depends on what our matchup is," Williams said. "But for spring training anyway, he'll pitch earlier in games because he'll be a back of the bullpen guy for us. So we'll get him right after the starter or starters depending on whether we're piggy-backing them. So he won't necessarily, early on, pitch the eighth inning or the ninth inning or whatever it is. But he knows his role. He understands that as we get later into spring training, we'll get him back into that position so he gets comfortable with it."