There was a lot of emotion in the Nationals’ dugout when pitcher Aaron Barrett took the mound during a spring training game in late February.
And it could be memorable as well if Barrett makes it back to the majors with the Nationals — due in part to his relationship with new pitching coach Paul Menhart.
Barrett has battled back from several injuries, including a broken arm in 2016, to pitch this season for Double-A Harrisburg.
He has worked during that time with Menhart, who was the minor league pitching coordinator for five seasons before he took over with the Nationals on Friday after Derek Lilliquist was fired.