CHICAGO — The Washington Nationals have left no ambiguity with their catching situation. Wilson Ramos is their starting catcher, Jesus Flores their backup.
But unlike last year where the Nationals tried to keep Ivan Rodriguez, and then Flores, on an every-third-day rotation with Ramos, Nationals manager Davey Johnson said Sunday he doesn’t plan to have a set schedule for Ramos and Flores this season.
“I’m going to deal with that on a day-by-day basis and how I think what they each need to keep them sharp,” Johnson said.
Johnson had planned to start Flores on Sunday but his desire to get Ramos’ in more of a groove at the plate overrode that plan. Ramos was hitless in the Nationals’ opener but was 1-for-3 with a walk on Saturday.
“Flo had a great spring, everything was 100 percent go compared to a year ago,” Johnson said. ” My main concern right now is getting Wily to feel real comfortable back there. He’s a workhorse. Very strong. And I need to kind of wear him down a little bit.
“But I definitely will make sure Flores gets plenty of playing time.”
