Around NL East Spring Training, 3/18: Dukes Cut

Nationals: The big news of the day is the Nationals released 25-year-old rightfielder, and presumptive starter, Elijah Dukes. Nationals’ management gave a slew of underwhelming explanations for the strange move, including their faith in his back-ups, Dukes’ popularity in the clubhouse, and adjustments in his swing to offspeed pitches. Whatever the real reason, Mike Rizzo and company have released one of their best young hitters and a huge talent for seemingly minor reasons…The Nats have a team 7.92 ERA so far this spring, which wouldn’t worry most teams, but the Nats have fielding some pretty awful staffs in recent years…Adam Dunn is out with lower back spasms but hopes to return to game action by the end of the week.

Mets: IF Anderson Hernandez was claimed off waivers by Cleveland, thus ending his second sting in New York. He was out of options and unlikely to make the Opening-Day roster…the Mets and Marlins will play a June series in San Juan…Mike Pelfrey tested his offspeed pitchers today against the Red Sox, saying, “I think one day I’d like to become an actual pitcher.”

Braves: Still just 23, Tommy Hanson has already added a fourth game-ready pitch to his repertoire, a changeup…Craig Kimbrell, the 21-year-old “closer of the future,” is already in the mix for a bullpen spot.

Marlins: The Marlins released Derrick Turnbow, who will now likely need surgery on his pitching shoulder…10 players were optioned to the minors or sent to minor league camp…The Fish may not be that interested in brining back Mike Lowell after all.

Phillies: Placido Polanco (knee) expects to avoid the DL…J.C. Romero is throwing to hitters now, but is still a long shot for Opening Day.