Final score: Nationals 3, Orioles 1

Thumbs up

Alfredo Simon -- The 27-year-old right-hander gave up two runs (one earned) and two hits in four innings against the Nationals. Simon walked two hitters and collected one strikeout. He also committed a fielding error in the game. In three Grapefruit League appearances, including one start, Simon has a 0.90 ERA. The competition for the starting rotation is still wide open, so Simon picked a good time to showcase his skills.

Matt Wieters -- The 6-foot-5, 230-pound catcher served as the designated hittter today. Wieters was 0-for-3 with three runners left on base, but he also walked and scored the Orioles' only run. That's enough to get him in this category for today's game, especially since there wasn't many other positives to highlight. For the spring, Wieters is hitting .343 (12-for-35) with one home run and five RBIs in 17 games.

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Justin Christian -- The 28-year-old outfielder was 0-for-1 with a strikeout after replacing Adam Jones in center field during today's game. Christian is hitting .242 (8-for-33) with one home run and two RBIs in 19 Grapefruit League games. With the outfield as one of the Orioles' strengths heading into the season, it's unlikely that Christian will be able to find a role on the team.

Chris Gomez -- The veteran infielder accounted for the Orioles' only run against the Nationals with a sacrifice fly that scored Wieters. Gomez was 0-for-2 in the game, however, and he is batting .125 (4-for-32) with two RBIs in 15 games during the Grapefruit League. Although Gomez would be a valuable addition to the Opening Day roster because of his experience, there seems to be other deserving candidates who might take his place. The Orioles are likely going to have a tough decision to make regarding Gomez's role.