Preview And Lineups: Spring Training Game 12 | Washington Nationals @ Houston Astros

Today, the Washington Nationals play their first road game against an American League team in Spring Training. You know what that means? The designated hitter!*

March 05, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) beats the throw to first base during the spring training game against the Houston Astros at Space Coast Stadium. Washington defeated Houston 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

*Yes, I know the DH is in every Spring Training game

Gio Gonzalez goes for the Nationals and he goes up against a similar lineup to what Washington saw the last time they saw the Houston Astros with the exception of designated hitter and first base.  Philip Humber is going for the Astros, he who threw a perfect game and didn’t get offered a contract in the same year. We loved you, Old Safeco Field!

The Nationals are going with a few more regulars, including Denard Span once again who is trying to get his bat on track (his on base percentage is pretty good). Bryce Harper is hitting third behind Danny Espinosa so we can assume on Opening Day that Bryce will be hitting there unless he realizes he is very uncomfortable in that spot but I doubt that will happen.

The game will be delayed on MLB Network and on MLB.tv.

Washington Nationals (5-4)
Denard Span CF
Danny Espinosa 2B
Bryce Harper LF
Wilson Ramos DH
Ian Desmond SS
Chad Tracy 3B
Tyler Moore 1B
Kurt Suzuki C
Corey Brown RF
P: Gio Gonzalez

Houston Astros (5-5)
Tyler Greene SS
Jose Altuve 2B
Chris Carter LF
Justin Maxwell CF
J.D. Martinez RF
Nate Freiman DH
Brandon Laird 1B
Carlos Corporan C
Matt Dominguez 3B
P: Philip Humber