We hope today that Mother Nature cooperates as the Nationals will try to get a doubleheader in today. The weather forecast looks dicey once again with terms like “isolated thunderstorms” and “scattered thunderstorms”. Right now Weather.com has a 35% chance of precipitation at first pitch of game 1 today. Last night’s weather never allowed for a window to play that game as it rained off and on for hours. Both teams will stay with their starters for this afternoon’s game with Patrick Corbin and the right-handed Jake Arrieta Zach Eflin. Corbin will now be pitching with three extra rest days due to a day-off after his last start plus the two rainout games on Monday and Tuesday. The big question will be who pitches game 2 of the doubleheader for the Nationals after Max Scherzer broke his nose during bunting practice. Jake Arrieta is now scheduled to pitch in the second half of the doubleheader.
With two rainouts in a row and the issue with Scherzer’s nose, the Nationals have options for their rotation now. Last night’s postponed game will be rescheduled for September 24th as part of a day/night doubleheader. Per MLB rules, the Nationals will call-up an extra player for today’s doubleheader, and that player will be Austin Voth. The Nationals could start Voth in game 2 tonight or they have Erick Fedde who was scheduled originally for last night, and Max Scherzer was supposed to pitch today in his regular spot in the rotation.
Of course with more rain in the forecast for tonight, there is no guarantee that the Nationals can play both games today. With the Atlanta Braves losing last night, these NL East teams gained a ½ game without playing.
Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 1:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN, NBC Sports Philadelphia, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® ( Streaming Internet 869)
Line-up subject to change (without notice):
