Photo by the Washington Nationals
After COVID struck the team just before Opening Day, it wreaked havoc on Jon Lester who had to go back to Spring Training mode to ramp his arm strength back up. Here we are 30-days later, and Lester is ready to make not only his 2021 debut, but also his debut with the Washington Nationals.
One player we will not see on the field is Juan Soto, he has not worked back to a full game routine to activate him off of the IL for shoulder inflammation. While the Nats are slowly getting healthier, they are still far from having all of their stars back.
With Lester going tonight, manager Dave Martinez said his rotation going forward will be Patrick Corbin pitching tomorrow, Max Scherzer on Sunday, and after Monday’s day-off, Joe Ross would pitch on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves. Erick Fedde will remain in the rotation as Stephen Strasburg works back from his shoulder inflammation and is set to throw from a mound which could then lead to some sim games or minor league rehab starts.
In order to make room for Lester on the roster, general manager Mike Rizzo sent Steven Fuentes back to the minor leagues and moved Luis Avilan to the 60-day IL which freed up a 40-man spot for Lester.
Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN, BALLY Sports Florida, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® ( Streaming Internet 869)
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
1. Trea Turner SS
2. Josh Harrison 2B
3. Yadiel Hernandez RF
4. Starlin Castro 3B
5. Josh Bell 1B
6. Kyle Schwarber LF
7. Alex Avila C
8. Victor Robles CF
9. Jon Lester P
