Photo by Sol Tucker for TalkNats
The Washington Nationals are literally limping into this series against the Dodgers, and the timing could not be worse considering the Dodgers are back to full strength in regards to their health. Not only are the Nats missing four key bullpen pieces on the IL, Trea Turner will miss another game with a jammed finger, and Jordy Mercer was moved to the 10-day IL and replaced by journeyman Humberto Arteaga.
With every move to the IL or the non-available list, the Nats are quickly putting themselves in a compromising situation. Last night quickly showed the issues with players out of position as the first run the Dodgers scored was due to a fielding error in the revamped defense. Back-up catcher Alex Avila played second base for the first time, and did the best he could do and that shifted Josh Harrison to third base and Starlin Castro to shortstop.
The Nats will start their ace, Max Scherzer, to get the Nats back into the W column. The Dodgers are going with lefty Julio Urias which has allowed manager Dave Martinez to go with Ryan Zimmerman at first base.
Immediately, Arteaga has been inserted into the lineup and playing at shortstop in this game. On Turner’s status, he is still listed as day-to-day, and he threw the ball in pre-game but did not catch any balls due to the injured finger is on his glove-hand.
The Nats will be wearing the 2021 version of the patriotic caps today to celebrate the Independence Day weekend. The Nats players chose to wear their blue uniforms in this game.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN, SporstNet LA, MLB Network out-of-market only, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® ( Streaming Internet 869)
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
1. Kyle Schwarber LF
2. Josh Harrison 2B
3. Juan Soto RF
4. Ryan Zimmerman 1B
5. Starlin Castro 3B
6. Yan Gomes C
7. Victor Robles CF
8. Humberto Arteaga SS
9. Max Scherzer RHP
