Photo by Lee Heiman for TalkNats
When Nationals manager Dave Martinez set up his rotation in south Florida, it became evident that Max Scherzer was going to pitch in the number one spot in the rotation followed by Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Tanner Roark and A.J. Cole. With the acquisition of Jeremy Hellickson, things could change in the 5th spot in the rotation. The way it is lined up now, Scherzer is set to pitch with no extra rest going into Opening Day on March 29th. Max is set to pitch today, next Saturday and then on the following Thursday in the season opener in Cincinnati on March 29th.
In his last start, Scherzer was set to throw 75 pitches and hit the mark. In today’s start, Scherzer could push it to up near 90 pitches. This is all part of the progression and building up arm strength to get him ready for Opening Day when you would want him to pitch at least 6 innings.
The rest of the pitchers in the starting rotation could be moved back a day due to the off-day on March 30th giving Davey Martinez some flexibility plus there is a split-squad game on Friday that will need extra players and two starting pitchers which could be the date that Hellickson makes his debut if not sooner.
Today the Nats face the Miami Marlins who they will play 3 more times this week in Grapefruit games and then 19 more times in the regular season. There is no Nats TV or radio coverage today or tomorrow so we will be relying on the other team for broadcasts.
Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium: Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter Florida
1st Pitch: 1:05 pm EDT
TV:
Nats Radio:
Line-up subject to change (without notice):
- Adam Eaton LF
- Michael Taylor CF
- Matt Adams 1B
- Anthony Rendon 3B
- Matt Wieters C
- Moises Sierra RF
- Matt Reynolds SS
- Adrian Sanchez2B
- Max Scherzer RHP
Photo by Sol Tucker for TalkNats
Photo by Navy Yard Nats for TalkNats
Photo by NavyYardNats for TalkNats
