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Spring Training 2017: Nationals bolster bullpen with Joe Blanton

The Nationals finally picked up a reliever Tuesday. (Getty Images/Sean M. Haffey)
The Nationals finally picked up a reliever Tuesday. (Getty Images/Sean M. Haffey)

Welcome to The Stew’s Spring Headlines, our daily look at the biggest MLB stories and news items from around spring training. Here you’ll find a quick recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the internet that we think is worth your time.

SIGN HIM UP: After looking for bullpen help all offseason, the Washington Nationals finally got their man. The team agreed to a one-year deal with reliever Joe Blanton on Tuesday. The 36-year-old Blanton posted a 2.48 ERA over 80 innings with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. He’ll make $4 million in 2016, but could receive an additional million based on incentives. The Nationals don’t have a set closer just yet, and it’s possible Blanton could work his way into that role based on how well he performs. [Washington Post]

SHUT DOWN: New York Mets third baseman David Wright has been shut down from throwing due to a shoulder impingement. He could miss the start of the season due to the issue. Wright has been limited by back and neck issues the past few seasons. He hit .226/.350/.438 over 164 plate appearances in 2016. [The Stew]

GET IT DONE: Texas Rangers’ owner Ray Davis expressed interest in trying to extend pitcher Yu Darvish before he reaches free agency. Darvish, 30, is entering the final year of his contract. He posted a 3.41 ERA over 100 1/3 innings in 2016 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. [@JeffWilson_FWST]

WORKING THROUGH IT: Rangers reliever Sam Dyson sprained his right wrist after falling Friday. He was able to pitch Saturday and play catch Tuesday, so the issue doesn’t seem serious. Dyson was expected to take part in the World Baseball Classic, however, and this minor injury could keep him sidelined for the first round. [@JeffWilson_FWST]

DOMINANT: The Chicago Cubs are projected to win the most games in the regular season according to the oddsmakers. Chicago led all of baseball with 103 wins last year. [The Stew]

HE’LL BE ALL RIGHT: Houston Astros reliever Will Harris left Tuesday’s game due to a groin injury. Harris, 32, made it through 2/3 of a perfect inning before getting pulled. Harris does not believe the injury is serious. [@brianmctaggart]

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik