Yankees-Nationals spring game washed out by rain

Mar 12, 2010 - 3:15 PM VIERA, Fla.(AP) -- Heavy rains washed out Friday's scheduled exhibition game between the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals.

A sellout crowd was expected at Space Coast Stadium for the defending World Series champions' only visit of the spring. The Yankees were already en route from Tampa when informed of the cancellation early Friday.

Water had collected in some areas of the outfield before the decision to call the game.

It's the second consecutive rainout for the Nationals, who were planning to start right-hander Jason Marquis against Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte.

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman wasn't sure about the plan for Marquis on Friday. Riggleman said Marquis could throw a simulated game, throw live to hitters if there was a brief break in the weather or pitch Saturday against Houston in Kissimmee, Fla.

"Our hitters get a lot of work in the cages - they're swinging and swinging and swinging," Riggleman said. "Spring training is really about getting (pitchers) ready. A couple of days like this, it's not good. We'll just have to work around it."

Also, the Nationals reassigned catcher Devin Ivany and first baseman Josh Whitesell to their minor league camp. That leaves Washington with 51 players.