PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. | Two hours south of Disney World, the Washington Nationals paid a visit to Tomorrowland on Monday.

In their opening exhibition game against the New York Mets, the Nationals got their first look under major-league conditions at 18-year-old wunderkind Bryce Harper, whom they are counting on to be one of their cornerstones in the not-too-distant future.

If Harper were just an average hotshot prospect, he’d be in his native Nevada playing for the Las Vegas High School Wildcats. But when you hit a baseball 502 feet at age 16 and test out of high school two years early to play against junior college competition, you cease to be average even by phenom standards.

You enter a much more rarefied place — a place of dreams, myths and Roy Hobbs.

It’s hard not to wax poetic about Harper, this teenager with major league pop in his bat. It’s hard not to think of Hobbs, “The Natural” — or of another sweet-swinging lefty, Ted Williams. But then you remind yourself: Hobbs was a fiction, a figment of Bernard Malumud’s imagination. Harper is very much real. Indeed, many of his feats, from the otherworldly to the merely amazing, can be viewed on YouTube.

While he might be blessed with a 6-foot-3, 225-pound body, “you’ve gotta remember, he’s 18,” Mike Morse, the Nats’ right fielder, reminded everybody. That was painfully obvious in Harper’s two at-bats Monday against the Mets.

In the seventh inning, after replacing designated hitter Matt Stairs, he struck out on three pitches against southpaw Taylor Tankersley (foul ball down the third base line, swing and miss, swing and miss on a breaking ball).

His next time up, in the ninth with right-hander Ryota Igarashi on the mound, produced the same result. He took the first three offerings, fell behind in the count 1-2 and swung through an 86 mph splitter. Not exactly a storybook beginning. (Tankersley and Igarashi, after all, are non-roster invitees to the Mets‘ camp and have had modest big-league careers.)

But a player has to start somewhere.

“I felt really good up there, actually,” Harper said after the Nationals closed out their 9-3 victory at Digital Domain Park. “I knew what was coming; I could see what was coming. I just pulled out a little on both at-bats. I felt my hands were quick, and my front side opened up a bit.”

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Michael Morse hit a pair of two-run homers in the late innings and the Washington Nationals won their spring training opener by beating the New York Mets 9-3 on Monday.

Morse’s performance was perhaps overshadowed by the much-anticipated spring debut of Nationals prospect Bryce Harper, who struck out twice and saw no action in the field.

But Harper said seeing teammates such as Morse doing well at the plate gave him more confidence for his first at-bats against major league competition. He got his first plate appearance after Morse hit his first home run in the seventh inning.

“Morse just made it look easy, so I went up there and tried to make it look easy, but it just didn’t happen,” Harper said. “I wasn’t nervous. After seeing everybody go up there swinging, getting their swings in and stuff, that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to go up there and get my hacks in, and that’s just me. I don’t like taking it, so I’m going to go up there swinging.”

Morse went 3 for 5 with four RBIs and two runs scored. His homers came off left-hander Taylor Tankersley and righty Ryota Igarashi.

Morse had 15 homers in 98 games last year.

“The first ball he absolutely crushed, but he had good at-bats all day,” Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said.

Though it wasn’t a good day for the Mets’ bullpen or defense, there were some encouraging signs for opening day starter Mike Pelfrey in his spring debut. Pelfrey said he saw some improvement with his two-seam sinker, getting a couple of groundouts with the pitch before leaving with the game tied at 2 after three innings.

D.J. Carrasco gave up single runs in the fourth and fifth and was charged with the loss.

Pelfrey allowed two runs, one earned, and five hits with no walks and one strikeout. He gave up a triple to Ian Desmond, who scored on Roger Bernadina’s single.

An error by second baseman Luis Castillo allowed Jerry Hairston Jr.’s sacrifice fly to score the second run in the third inning.

“It’s just a matter of going out there and executing pitches,” Pelfrey said. “I thought when I made a good pitch, I got guys out, and when I left the ball up there in the first inning, they were able to hit it.”

Mets outfielder Angel Pagan, tabbed as the team’s starting center fielder on Monday morning, homered in the first inning. Infield prospect Ruben Tejada singled home a run in the second.

Pagan will take over in center for longtime star Carlos Beltran, who is moving to right. Beltran told Pagan and new manager Terry Collins on Monday that he wanted to make the switch because of his knees. The three-time Gold Glove winner had decreased mobility when he returned last summer following right knee surgery on Jan. 13, 2010.

Pagan laughed off some defensive mistakes in which he missed opportunities to record outs on a pair of fly balls. The first one he said he had no chance on after losing it in the sun, but the second one he dropped.

“Isn’t it funny that I got to have the center field (job) and I dropped two balls?” Pagan joked. “I mean, I’m glad it happened because you are going to have some of those, too, and you’re going to have some tough plays, so you want to work on that, too. The first one I got ahead of the ball, so the ball came into the sun. The second one I let the ball pass the sun, so I made the adjustment, but it’s still tough to get the ball right in the sun. It’s going to happen, but … you have to stay with the ball to make the play.”

Notes: Nationals catcher Jesus Flores made his first major league appearance since May 2009, when a foul tip hit his right shoulder and led to excruciating injuries and rehab. … Cla Meredith will have more tests in Washington after leaving Sunday’s practice early with an injury to his right elbow. He underwent surgery to remove bone chips in the same elbow last October and could need surgery again.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Bryce Harper made his much-anticipated spring training debut with the Washington Nationals on Monday, striking out twice in a game against the New York Mets.

The 18-year-old phenom didn’t see any action in the field during the Nationals’ exhibition opener, but the top pick in last year’s amateur draft got his first two at-bats against big league competition.

He entered the game as a pinch runner for Matt Stairs in the fifth inning and finally got a plate appearance in the seventh. Harper fouled off the first pitch from Taylor Tankersley, then swung and missed on the next two.

In the top of the ninth, Harper struck out on four pitches against Ryota Igarashi.

Harper was a catcher in amateur ball, but the Nationals are putting him in the outfield. The left-handed hitting slugger is slated to start the season in low Class-A Hagerstown but is looking for a quick rise through the farm system.

He skipped his final year of high school, obtained his GED and played junior college ball at the College of Southern Nevada for one season in order to become eligible for the 2010 draft and jump-start his professional career.

Harper signed a five-year, $9.9 million contract, including $6.5 million in signing bonuses, with the Nationals last August, too late for the regular minor league season. He did play in the Florida Instructional League, hitting .319 with four homers, four doubles, a triple and 12 RBIs before going on to the Arizona Fall League, where he batted .343.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Nervous? Not at all. Bryce Harper said he was perfectly comfortable during his much-anticipated debut with the Washington Nationals – maybe even too comfortable.

The 18-year-old phenom struck out twice and didn’t see any action in the field Monday as the Nationals beat the New York Mets 9-3 in their spring training opener. But the top pick in last year’s amateur draft cleared a hurdle with his first two at-bats against big league competition.

“I felt really comfortable out there,” Harper said. “I might have felt a little too comfortable, so I’m going to go out there tomorrow and the next day and try to get a few base hits and see what happens.

“It’s like I feel way too strong,” he added. “I feel way too quick. I feel like I can turn over a 150 mph fastball. I felt really good. I just need to stay back on my back side a little more and try to hit it over the third baseman’s head.”

Harper entered as a pinch runner for designated hitter Matt Stairs in the fifth inning and finally got a plate appearance in the seventh. Harper fouled off the first pitch from lefty Taylor Tankersley, then swung and missed on the next two.

In the top of the ninth, Harper struck out on four pitches against right-hander Ryota Igarashi.

When Harper went up to the plate for his first at-bat, the Nationals already had a 7-3 lead.

“I wasn’t nervous,” Harper said. “After seeing everybody go up there swinging, getting their swings in and stuff, that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to go up there and get my hacks in, and that’s just me. I don’t like taking it, so I’m going to go up there swinging.”

Washington manager Jim Riggleman said he had hoped Harper’s first at-bat would come against a right-hander, but he was glad the young catcher-turned-outfielder could see both types of pitchers.

“I felt the pitches were really tough,” Riggleman said. “I’m sure he was nervous, but he was aggressive. He was really hacking at it.”

Harper said he is under the impression he will be in major league camp for only a couple more games, but he thinks any experience getting live at-bats against major league pitching will benefit him as he tries to make his way to the big leagues.

The left-handed hitting slugger is slated to start the season in low Class-A Hagerstown but is looking for a quick rise through the farm system.

He skipped his final year of high school, obtained his GED and played junior college ball at the College of Southern Nevada for one season in order to become eligible for the 2010 draft and jump-start his professional career.

Harper signed a five-year, $9.9 million contract, including $6.5 million in signing bonuses, with the Nationals last August, too late for the regular minor league season. He did play in the Florida Instructional League, hitting .319 with four homers, four doubles, a triple and 12 RBIs before going on to the Arizona Fall League, where he batted .343.

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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Nervous? Not at all. Bryce Harper said he was perfectly comfortable during his much-anticipated debut with the Washington Nationals — maybe even too comfortable.

The 18-year-old phenom struck out twice and didn’t see any action in the field Monday as the Nationals beat the New York Mets 9-3 in their spring training opener. But the top pick in last year’s amateur draft cleared a hurdle with his first two at-bats against big league competition.

HEYMAN: Why Nats won’t rush Harper

“I felt really comfortable out there,” Harper said. “I might have felt a little too comfortable, so I’m going to go out there tomorrow and the next day and try to get a few base hits and see what happens.

“It’s like I feel way too strong,” he added. “I feel way too quick. I feel like I can turn over a 150 mph fastball. I felt really good. I just need to stay back on my back side a little more and try to hit it over the third baseman’s head.”

Harper entered as a pinch runner for designated hitter Matt Stairs in the fifth inning and finally got a plate appearance in the seventh. Harper fouled off the first pitch from lefty Taylor Tankersley, then swung and missed on the next two.

In the top of the ninth, Harper struck out on four pitches against right-hander Ryota Igarashi.

When Harper went up to the plate for his first at-bat, the Nationals already had a 7-3 lead.

“I wasn’t nervous,” Harper said. “After seeing everybody go up there swinging, getting their swings in and stuff, that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to go up there and get my hacks in, and that’s just me. I don’t like taking it, so I’m going to go up there swinging.”

Washington manager Jim Riggleman said he had hoped Harper’s first at-bat would come against a right-hander, but he was glad the young catcher-turned-outfielder could see both types of pitchers.

“I felt the pitches were really tough,” Riggleman said. “I’m sure he was nervous, but he was aggressive. He was really hacking at it.”

Harper said he is under the impression he will be in major league camp for only a couple more games, but he thinks any experience getting live at-bats against major league pitching will benefit him as he tries to make his way to the big leagues.

The left-handed hitting slugger is slated to start the season in low Class-A Hagerstown but is looking for a quick rise through the farm system.

He skipped his final year of high school, obtained his GED and played junior college ball at the College of Southern Nevada for one season in order to become eligible for the 2010 draft and jump-start his professional career.

Harper signed a five-year, $9.9 million contract, including $6.5 million in signing bonuses, with the Nationals last August, too late for the regular minor league season. He did play in the Florida Instructional League, hitting .319 with four homers, four doubles, a triple and 12 RBIs before going on to the Arizona Fall League, where he batted .343.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Nervous? Not at all. Bryce Harper said he was perfectly comfortable during his much-anticipated debut with the Washington Nationals — maybe even too comfortable.

The 18-year-old phenom struck out twice and didn’t see any action in the field Monday as the Nationals beat the New York Mets 9-3 in their spring training opener. But the top pick in last year’s amateur draft cleared a hurdle with his first two at-bats against big league competition.

HEYMAN: Why Nats won’t rush Harper

“I felt really comfortable out there,” Harper said. “I might have felt a little too comfortable, so I’m going to go out there tomorrow and the next day and try to get a few base hits and see what happens.

“It’s like I feel way too strong,” he added. “I feel way too quick. I feel like I can turn over a 150 mph fastball. I felt really good. I just need to stay back on my back side a little more and try to hit it over the third baseman’s head.”

Harper entered as a pinch runner for designated hitter Matt Stairs in the fifth inning and finally got a plate appearance in the seventh. Harper fouled off the first pitch from lefty Taylor Tankersley, then swung and missed on the next two.

In the top of the ninth, Harper struck out on four pitches against right-hander Ryota Igarashi.

When Harper went up to the plate for his first at-bat, the Nationals already had a 7-3 lead.

“I wasn’t nervous,” Harper said. “After seeing everybody go up there swinging, getting their swings in and stuff, that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to go up there and get my hacks in, and that’s just me. I don’t like taking it, so I’m going to go up there swinging.”

Washington manager Jim Riggleman said he had hoped Harper’s first at-bat would come against a right-hander, but he was glad the young catcher-turned-outfielder could see both types of pitchers.

“I felt the pitches were really tough,” Riggleman said. “I’m sure he was nervous, but he was aggressive. He was really hacking at it.”

Harper said he is under the impression he will be in major league camp for only a couple more games, but he thinks any experience getting live at-bats against major league pitching will benefit him as he tries to make his way to the big leagues.

The left-handed hitting slugger is slated to start the season in low Class-A Hagerstown but is looking for a quick rise through the farm system.

He skipped his final year of high school, obtained his GED and played junior college ball at the College of Southern Nevada for one season in order to become eligible for the 2010 draft and jump-start his professional career.

Harper signed a five-year, $9.9 million contract, including $6.5 million in signing bonuses, with the Nationals last August, too late for the regular minor league season. He did play in the Florida Instructional League, hitting .319 with four homers, four doubles, a triple and 12 RBIs before going on to the Arizona Fall League, where he batted .343.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Nervous? Not at all. Bryce Harper said he was perfectly comfortable during his much-anticipated debut with the Washington Nationals — maybe even too comfortable.

The 18-year-old phenom struck out twice and didn’t see any action in the field Monday as the Nationals beat the New York Mets 9-3 in their spring training opener. But the top pick in last year’s amateur draft cleared a hurdle with his first two at-bats against big league competition.

“I felt really comfortable out there,” Harper said. “I might have felt a little too comfortable, so I’m going to go out there tomorrow and the next day and try to get a few base hits and see what happens.

“It’s like I feel way too strong,” he added. “I feel way too quick. I feel like I can turn over a 150 mph fastball. I felt really good. I just need to stay back on my back side a little more and try to hit it over the third baseman’s head.”

Harper entered as a pinch runner for designated hitter Matt Stairs in the fifth inning and finally got a plate appearance in the seventh. Harper fouled off the first pitch from lefty Taylor Tankersley, then swung and missed on the next two.

In the top of the ninth, Harper struck out on four pitches against right-hander Ryota Igarashi.

When Harper went up to the plate for his first at-bat, the Nationals already had a 7-3 lead.

“I wasn’t nervous,” Harper said. “After seeing everybody go up there swinging, getting their swings in and stuff, that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to go up there and get my hacks in, and that’s just me. I don’t like taking it, so I’m going to go up there swinging.”

Washington manager Jim Riggleman said he had hoped Harper’s first at-bat would come against a right-hander, but he was glad the young catcher-turned-outfielder could see both types of pitchers.

“I felt the pitches were really tough,” Riggleman said. “I’m sure he was nervous, but he was aggressive. He was really hacking at it.”

Harper said he is under the impression he will be in major league camp for only a couple more games, but he thinks any experience getting live at-bats against major league pitching will benefit him as he tries to make his way to the big leagues.

The left-handed hitting slugger is slated to start the season in low Class-A Hagerstown but is looking for a quick rise through the farm system.

He skipped his final year of high school, obtained his GED and played junior college ball at the College of Southern Nevada for one season in order to become eligible for the 2010 draft and jump-start his professional career.

Harper signed a five-year, $9.9 million contract, including $6.5 million in signing bonuses, with the Nationals last August, too late for the regular minor league season. He did play in the Florida Instructional League, hitting .319 with four homers, four doubles, a triple and 12 RBIs before going on to the Arizona Fall League, where he batted .343.

Published: Monday, February 28, 2011, 4:55 PM     Updated: Monday, February 28, 2011, 8:18 PM

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Some quick notes from the Mets’ 9-3 loss to Washington today here at Digital Domain Park — to sum up, not a great day for pitchers not named Jason Isringhausen:

– Mike Pelfrey gave up two runs over three innings. His second run was unearned, courtesy of a Luis Castillo error.

– Angel Pagan whacked an solo, opposite-field homer in the first inning.

– D.J. Carrasco took the loss. He gave up one run in each of his two innings.

–Taylor Tankersley allowed three runs, the lion’s share caused by a two-run bomb hit by Michael Morse. On the plus side, Tankersley did strike out uber-prospect Bryce Harper.

– So too did Ryota Igarashi. Of course, Igarashi also allowed a two-run homer to Morse.

– The bright spot belonged to Isringhausen. His cut fastball reached 92-mph. He avoided throwing his curveball, but overcame a bout of nerves to throw a scoreless seventh inning.

Andy McCullough: amccullough@starledger.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Just call Mike Rizzo the general manager who kicked the hornet’s nest.

In a column in yesterday’s editions of the Washington Post, the Washington Nationals executive is depicted as standing behind a batting cage and saying, “I hate the [expletive] Phillies.”

Jayson Werth then supposedly responded, “I hate the Phillies, too.”

In an interview last week, Werth insisted he had no hard feelings toward the team that allowed him to become a free agent at the end of last season and didn’t offer him anything close to the 7-year, $126 million deal he got in Washington.

In a telephone interview yesterday from Viera, Fla., Rizzo was careful to avoid saying anything that could be taken as a shot at longtime baseball columnist Thomas Boswell. He didn’t deny that there may have been some bawdy banter, but categorically denied saying anything close to what was reported.

“As far as the quote, yeah, that was either taken out of context or [Boswell] didn’t hear it right,” he said.

“What I hate is the fact that the Phillies have had so much success at our expense. I respect the Phillies as much as any team in baseball. Chase Utley is one of my five favorite players. He plays the game the right way, with an edge. We’re trying to emulate the Phillies. They play a style of baseball I love. We play them 18 times a year. It’s a rivalry. It’s going to be a real good rivalry in the future. It’s a challenge playing against the best. They’re the team we’re going to have to eventually knock off if we want to get to the top.

“I have nothing but respect for Ruben Amaro, Charlie Manuel and the Phillies. I love the way they play. We look forward to measuring ourselves against the best.”

Asked again if he had said anything close to that, even in a joking manner, he again strongly denied it.

“There was none of that. I don’t even remember saying anything like that,” he said.

Werth could not be reached for comment yesterday.

- Paul Hagen

Livan Hernandez

The portly right-hander is far more than an innings eater for the Washington Nationals, who see the former Giant, now 36, as the perfect mentor to a clubhouse full of young pitchers, including Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann. “Livan reminds you that the position is called pitcher – it’s not thrower,” manager Jim Riggleman said. Hernandez has not thrown heat in years, so he gets hitters out with guile and experience. Though he can see himself working in Latin America or serving as an assistant to a general manager someday, Hernandez isn’t ready to retire just yet. “I try to play five more years and see what’s happening,” he said. “I want to be the Jamie Moyer of right-handers.”

Kevin Correia

The former Giants right-hander was a little too excited Sunday in his debut with the Pirates. Correia, Pittsburgh’s biggest offseason pickup, lasted four outs after allowing two runs, two hits and two walks in a 10-3 victory against the Rays. “I don’t mind the results,” said Correia, 30, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract. He pitched parts of six seasons in San Francisco and spent the past two years with the Padres. Correia said he is used to having a rough outing at the start of spring training. “It seems like I do it every year,” he said. “You just get that adrenaline rush you haven’t had in months, and it gets you.”

This article appeared on page B – 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle

VIERA, Fla. | Livan Hernandez brings value to the Washington Nationals that can’t simply be summed up by saying he eats up innings, never misses a start and fields his position flawlessly.

The Nationals see the 36-year-old veteran right-hander as the perfect mentor to a clubhouse full of young, talented arms.

DALY OT: Evolution of Livan

“Livan reminds you that the position is called pitcher — it’s not thrower,” Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said. “He gets people out by pitching. He’s a great example to those other guys of what it takes to be successful in terms of fine-tuning your craft. A lot of guys I know watch him pitch and feel like, ‘I’ve got to be able to do that.’”

Earlier this spring, Riggleman said he wasn’t going to announce Hernandez as the Nationals opening day starter yet, but in the next breath declared the crafty veteran had earned it. Hernandez will make his first start of spring training Tuesday, when Washington hosts the New York Mets at Space Coast Stadium.

Hernandez’s days of throwing fastballs that top out in the 90s have long passed. He gets hitters out with his guile, his experience and with a two-seam sinking fastball taught to him in 2003 by then-Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Ron Perranoski.

Hernandez says he now throws his four-seamer only on about two out of 100 fastballs.

“Maybe I throw one to the pitcher,” he said.

First baseman Adam LaRoche, who faced Hernandez often throughout his career before signing with Washington as free agent this offseason, likens him to a former Atlanta Braves Cy Young-winning left-hander.

“He reminds me of a right-handed Tom Glavine,” LaRoche said. “I can remember facing Glavine and you know you’re not getting anything over the heart of the plate. When you do, it almost surprises you because it’s so rare that they miss over the middle of the plate.

Story Continues ?

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

It’s been an eventful offseason for former Philadelphia Phillie outfielder Jayson Werth.

The right fielder, who spent his last four seasons with the Fightin’ Phils, refused arbitration this summer, and instead signed, a blockbuster seven-year, $126 million deal with the Washington Nationals.

In an interview afterward, Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro explained that he wished the Phillies could have kept Werth.

“I got a long text message from him [during the offseason] booing me, in classic Philly style. He was upset. But hey, that’s how it works sometimes. Business is business. I think he was half kidding. I told him he could still have been on our club if he accepted arbitration.”

Even though Werth signed with the Nats, he’s still making headlines in Philly with his candid comments.

Last week at Washington’s spring training camp, he tried to explain his side of the situation.

“It’s really not up to me to say if [the Phillies'] offer was fair or not,” Werth said. “I know it didn’t really add up in the end. When you make it to free agency, you can look at it one of two ways. You can look at it as you’re a member of the MLB Players Association or you can look at it as you play for a specific team. I was trying to maximize things.”

Werth also believed that the Phillies could have kept him, while still being able to add Cliff Lee.

“I think if they would have played it right they would have had us both,” he continued. “I mean, they traded Cliff away for prospects and then realized that was probably not what they should have done. They ended up paying him a lot more than they would have if they’d signed him the year before. Then we would have had him. Chances are if they had signed him before they traded him, it probably would have made it a little easier to sign me.”

The fans in Philadelphia feel little remorse for the 31-year-old, who signed with a team that had a record of 69-93 last season, good for last place in the NL East.  It certainly doesn’t help that Lee turned down a significant deal with the New York Yankees to play with the contending Phillies for a multimillion dollar pay cut.

Werth continued making enemies in Philadelphia with his comments in the Washington Post on Saturday.

During batting practice on Saturday, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said, “I hate the [expletive] Phillies.”

Werth echoed his sentiments.

“I hate the Phillies, too.”

Despite the fact that Werth won a World Series with Philadelphia in 2008 and could be training with them in Clearwater right now, he chose a different route and is clearly bitter.

The Phillies and Nationals are set to play 18 games this season, the first of which will be on April 12.  While Philly fans can be respectful of their former players and applaud their return, between turning down the Phillies and then expressing his hatred for the team, it isn’t likely Werth will be cheered when he steps back onto the field at Citizens Bank Park.

VIERA, Fla. — Chien-Ming Wang will make his spring training debut on Friday at the Washington Nationals minor league complex.

The 30-year-old right-hander will throw one or two innings in a game at the team’s accelerated minor league camp.

Wang did not pitch in 2010 while he recovered from surgery in July 2009 that repaired a torn shoulder capsule.

“We’re 16 months after that operation,” Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said. “It’s uncharted waters recovering from this operation. We’re just being ultra-conservative. We’re not going to put him out there against somebody in the other uniform yet, where the adrenaline might be flowing a little harder. It’s a little more of a controlled atmosphere to put him in.”

He threw live batting practice on Saturday and looked much stronger than when he first showed up for workouts. He even broke the bat of second baseman Danny Espinosa during the 10-minute throwing session.

“Today, I feel very good,” Wang said. “Everything was smooth. Each time, [I feel] better and better.”

Wang had good movement on his pitches Saturday and said the only one he’s still trying to get a feel for is his changeup. Otherwise, the Nationals have been pleased with his progress, though there is no timetable yet for when he will face major league hitters.

“He hasn’t been pushed back at all,” Washington pitching coach Steve McCatty said. “His ball had good movement, good sink. He had a good changeup, he threw some good breaking balls. He threw really well.”

Whether Wang pitches one or two innings on Friday will depend on how he feels and how many pitches he throws in that first frame.

“I know Chien-Ming would probably want to go two,” McCatty said. “We’ll see when we get there. That’s why we write everything in pencil. We have the ability, if he’s throwing all right to say we’ll go one more inning. One to two for me would be great.”

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

VIERA, Fla. (AP)—Chien-Ming Wang(notes) will make his spring training debut on Friday at the Washington Nationals minor league complex.

The 30-year-old right-hander will throw one or two innings in a game at the team’s accelerated minor league camp.

Wang did not pitch in 2010 while he recovered from surgery in July 2009 that repaired a torn shoulder capsule.

“We’re 16 months after that operation,” Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said. “It’s uncharted waters recovering from this operation. We’re just being ultra conservative. We’re not going to put him out there against somebody in the other uniform yet, where the adrenaline might be flowing a little harder. It’s a little more of a controlled atmosphere to put him in.”

He threw live batting practice on Saturday and looked much stronger than when he first showed up for workouts. He even broke the bat of second baseman Danny Espinosa(notes) during the 10-minute throwing session.

“Today, I feel very good,” Wang said. “Everything was smooth. Each time, (I feel) better and better.”

Wang had good movement on his pitches Saturday and said the only one he’s still trying to get a feel for is his change-up. Otherwise, the Nationals have been pleased with his progress, though there is no timetable yet for when he will face major league hitters.

“He hasn’t been pushed back at all,” Washington pitching coach Steve McCatty said. “His ball had good movement, good sink. He had a good change-up, he threw some good breaking balls. He threw really well.”

Whether Wang pitches one or two innings on Friday will depend on how he feels and how many pitches he throws in that first frame.

“I know Chien-Ming would probably want to go two,” McCatty said. “We’ll see when we get there. That’s why we write everything in pencil. We have the ability, if he’s throwing all right to say we’ll go one more inning. One to two for me would be great.”

Riggleman said the team is being “ultra-conservative” with Wang’s rehabilitation.

VIERA, Fla. (AP) – Top draft pick Bryce Harper is to make his spring training debut Monday when the Washington Nationals visit the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie for their spring training opener.

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said he expects the 18-year-old Harper will get at least one at-bat in the game.

“I’m hoping that he kind of blends in,” Riggleman said. “I’m not looking for him to excel against major league pitching.”

Harper is learning a new position, moving from catcher to the outfield. Nationals outfielder Jerry Hairston said it will take time to make the adjustment.

“He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” Hairston said. “We’ve talked a little bit. He’s a humble guy. He realizes what’s going on. I’m sure everybody’s excited about watching him play. He’s a great talent. It’s a spring training game. I know he’s going to be a little excited.”

Jayson Werth, who signed a $126 million, seven-year contract with Washington in the offseason, will not make the trip. Neither will All-Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and first baseman Adam LaRoche. Their debuts likely will come Tuesday or Wednesday when Washington hosts the Mets and the Florida Marlins.

Chad Gaudin will pitch the first game for Washington on Monday. Livan Hernandez throws Tuesday and John Lannan goes Wednesday.

VIERA, Fla. — Bryce Harper, the top pick in last year’s amateur draft, will make his spring training debut Monday when the Washington Nationals visit the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie for their spring training opener.

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said he expects the 18-year-old Harper will get at least one at-bat in the game.

“I’m hoping that he kind of blends in,” Riggleman said. “I’m not looking for him to excel against major league pitching.”

Harper is learning a new position, moving from catcher to the outfield. Nationals outfielder Jerry Hairston said it will take time to make the adjustment.

“He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” Hairston said. “We’ve talked a little bit. He’s a humble guy. He realizes what’s going on. I’m sure everybody’s excited about watching him play. He’s a great talent. It’s a spring training game. I know he’s going to be a little excited.”

Jayson Werth, who signed to a $126 million, seven-year contract with Washington in the offseason, will not make the trip. Neither will All-Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and first baseman Adam LaRoche. Their debuts likely will come Tuesday or Wednesday when Washington hosts the Mets and the Florida Marlins.

Chad Gaudin will pitch the first game for Washington on Monday. Livan Hernandez throws Tuesday and John Lannan goes Wednesday.

— The Associated Press

VIERA, Fla. — Bryce Harper, the top pick in last year’s amateur draft, will make his spring training debut Monday when the Washington Nationals visit the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie for their spring training opener.

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said he expects the 18-year-old Harper will get at least one at-bat in the game.

“I’m hoping that he kind of blends in,” Riggleman said. “I’m not looking for him to excel against major league pitching.”

Harper is learning a new position, moving from catcher to the outfield. Nationals outfielder Jerry Hairston said it will take time to make the adjustment.

“He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” Hairston said. “We’ve talked a little bit. He’s a humble guy. He realizes what’s going on. I’m sure everybody’s excited about watching him play. He’s a great talent. It’s a spring training game. I know he’s going to be a little excited.”

Jayson Werth, who signed to a $126 million, seven-year contract with Washington in the offseason, will not make the trip. Neither will All-Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and first baseman Adam LaRoche. Their debuts likely will come Tuesday or Wednesday when Washington hosts the Mets and the Florida Marlins.

Chad Gaudin will pitch the first game for Washington on Monday. Livan Hernandez throws Tuesday and John Lannan goes Wednesday.

— The Associated Press

Top draft pick Bryce Harper is to make his spring training debut Monday when the Washington Nationals visit the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie for their spring training opener. Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said he expects Harper, 18, will get at least one at-bat in the game.

Harper is learning a new position, moving from catcher to the outfield. Nationals outfielder Jerry Hairston said it will take time to make the adjustment.

“He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” Hairston said. “… He realizes what’s going on. I’m sure everybody’s excited about watching him play.”

Jayson Werth, who signed to a $126 million, seven-year contract with Washington in the offseason, will not make the trip. Neither will All-Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (U.Va.) and first baseman Adam LaRoche. Their debuts likely will come Tuesday or Wednesday.

Tigers’ Cabrera

reports to camp

Miguel Cabrera will enter a treatment program set up by doctors administered by Major League Baseball and its players’ union. The Detroit Tigers slugger reported to spring training Thursday for the first time since he was arrested last week on suspicion of drunken driving. MLB executive vice president Rob Manfred said Cabrera, 27, “understands that any future alcohol-related incidents could involve more serious consequences.”

Rangers pleased

with Webb’s progress

Brandon Webb is making progress for the Texas Rangers. Manager Ron Washington said Webb threw 60-65 pitches off flat ground during a 17-minute session Thursday, and that the “ball was coming out of his hand real good.”

The Rangers decided they wanted the right-hander to build up arm strength before getting back on a mound after his short bullpen session during the first workout a week ago. The former NL Cy Young Award winner hasn’t pitched in a major league game since the 2009 opener for Arizona because of shoulder surgery.

Elsewhere

MARINERS: starting center fielder Franklin Gutierrez returned to Seattle to have additional exams for stomach issues that hampered him during the 2010 season. Manager Eric Wedge said that Gutierrez flew back to Seattle on Wednesday night and should be back at the Mariners camp today.

ATHLETICS: Rich Harden is pain-free and ready to resume his spring training regimen as soon as Oakland’s training staff gives him the OK. The right-hander was shut down last week, expected to miss two weeks of workouts after experiencing stiffness in the lat muscle below his pitching arm when he tried to throw Feb. 15.

ROCKIES: Colorado right-hander Aaron Cook will miss his first scheduled start of the spring because of continued setbacks from tightness in his shoulder and a bout with a stomach ailment.