As the beginning of the regular season looms for the Washington Nationals, the final preparations to the opening day roster are being made. One decision that was made today was to select veteran outfielder Rick Ankiel to the 40-man roster.
The Nationals today selected OF Rick Ankiel to the 40-man roster.#Nationals
— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) March 30, 2012
Ankiel hit .239 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs last season, his first with the Nationals. His career stats include hitting .246 with a .309 OBP. Ankiel will be there to provide depth given the injury to Michael Morse. Morse will likely miss the start of the season with a strained lat in his back.
The Nationals still are trying to finalize their roster for the start of the season which will be Thursday April 5 against the Chicago Cubs starting at 2:20 p.m.
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