A brutal showing in spring training (.080/.179/.080 across 28 plate appearances) confirmed Raburn wouldn't break camp with the Nationals, so the team decided to free the veteran up to pursue other opportunities. He'll look to catch on elsewhere, though his time as a viable platoon bat in the outfield may well be up.

There was no reason given for Raburn's removal from the starting nine, but expect an update if Raburn is suffering from some sort of ailment. Blake Perkins will take the field in his place.

Raburn was initially slated to play in the Nationals' exhibition opener Feb. 23 against the Astros, but he was scratched from the lineup with side tightness and has been sidelined ever since. After nearly two weeks off to recover, Raburn looks to be sufficiently healthy, as illustrated by the Nationals' decision to immediately deploy him in the outfield rather than as a designated hitter. In any case, Raburn was always on the outside looking in for an Opening Day roster spot, so the time he has already missed this spring may have been enough to spoil his chances.

Raburn was scratched from the lineup card while Andrew Stevenson will take his spot in left field. It doesn't sound like his injury should be too much of a concern as the club stated that it was a precautionary move to pull him from the game. Barring any setback, Raburn should be back on the field in the near future.