Nats Journal

Butera passes first managerial test ... with one exception

Finally managing his first game since getting the job four months ago, Blake Butera led the Nationals to a win Saturday but almost gave away an important souvenir

Mark Zuckerman's avatar
Mark Zuckerman
Feb 22, 2026
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Photo by Saúl Martinez / NATS JOURNAL

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – First it was the national anthem, performed by a chorus as every player and coach from each team stood along the baselines. This was the moment Blake Butera officially felt like a major-league manager for the first time.

Then it was time to exchange lineup cards with Astros manager Joe Espada a…

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