Tommy Milone makes his pitch for roster spot

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. — When Tommy Milone was drafted by the Nationals in June 2008, the prospect of pitching for the then-trainwreck of a team in Washington wasn’t exactly a major leaguer’s dream come true. The club lost 102 games that year, followed by 103 the next.

But by the time the left-handed hurler worked his way up through the minors to make his big league debut with the Nationals in 2011, Washington was playing .500 ball, on the cusp of winning four National League East titles over the next six seasons.

The future was looking up for the franchise and for the 24-year-old lefty. Then Milone was traded away in a deal that brought Gio Gonzalez to the Nationals. Fast forward nearly seven years and several teams later, and Milone is again with the Nationals, trying to make the club as a non-roster invitee to spring training.

Only a few familiar faces remain in the clubhouse from 2011 — namely Ryan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg.

“It is great; the welcome when I first showed up was awesome. It is good to see a lot of familiar faces,” said Milone, who still knows personnel in the front office and player development. “It is been a lot of fun. It is a great group of guys and I look forward to the season.”

Since leaving Washington, Milone, 31, has pitched for Oakland, Minnesota, Milwaukee and the New York Mets. Last season he began the year with the Brewers before joining the Mets on May 7.

Playing for a contender would be a bonus, he said.

“Obviously I am trying to make the team. But at the same time I just want to go out there and be the pitcher that I am and try not to do too much.”

For now, that approach has him in the mix as a possible fifth starter.

“Right now he is contending for the fifth spot” in the rotation, manager Dave Martinez said. “He has looked good, real good.”

Others in the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation include young right-hander Erick Fedde, right-hander A.J. Cole and veteran Edwin Jackson, who has pitched for 12 teams.

“I think in the past, right now (at this point), I would have put a lot of pressure on myself,” Milone said of making the team. “This time around I have just accepted the fact I am here to pitch.”