Preview And Lineups: Washington Nationals First Split Squad Day

Today is the final chance for some Washington Nationals hopefuls to make some noise as Davey Johnson is on record as saying that there will be cuts after today’s action.

Mar 9, 2013; Melbourne, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Chris Coghlan (8) is forced out by Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) during the top of the fifth inning of a spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Nationals are starting Ross Ohlendorf against the Houston Astros and Jordan Zimmermann against the New York Mets. The Nationals are starting an every day lineup against the Mets and rookie hurler Matt Harvey which means that the travel team against the Astros will be where the opportunity is up for grabs, but really barring injury the Nationals already have their 25-man roster already set with Johnson saying that there will be one lefty in the bullpen (Zach Duke). Stephen Strasburg was also pegged for the Opening Day start but that isn’t really a surprise.

The opportunity may not be there for Opening Day, but it is (perhaps) a last chance to showcase yourself in front of the Major League staff who make decisions on the roster throughout the year. No team uses only 25 players for an entire season. Tyler Moore, and Christian Garcia weren’t part of the Opening Day roster but come playoff time, both were in uniform against the St. Louis Cardinals and both had big moments in that series.

Ross Ohlendorf is pitching to be able to be the first guy back from Syracuse when there is a pitching injury and they need someone to start fighting with Chris Young for that spot. As I have mentioned before, Carlos Rivero is fighting for a Major League job even if it doesn’t come from Washington. Chris Marrero and Corey Brown are fighting to be the first replacements called should injury hit.

New York Mets (6-6)
Collin Cowgill CF
Justin Turner 3B
Ike Davis 1B
Marlon Byrd RF
Lucas Duda LF
Travis d’Arnaud C
Omar Quintanilla SS
Brian Bixler 2B
Matt Harvey P

Washington Nationals (6-8)
Denard Span CF
Jayson Werth RF
Bryce Harper LF
Ryan Zimmerman DH
Adam LaRoche 1B
Ian Desmond SS
Danny Espinosa 2B
Wilson Ramos C
Chad Tracy 3B
P: Jordan Zimmermann
Houston Astros (7-8)
Tyler Greene SS
Jose Altuve 2B
Carlos Pena 1B
Chris Carter DH
Fernando Martinez LF
Justin Maxwell CF
Carlos Corporan C
Matt Dominguez 3B
Jimmy Paredes RF
P: Jordan Lyles

Washington Nationals
Will Rhymes 2B
Zach Walters SS
Anthony Rendon 3B
Chris Marrero DH
Corey Brown CF
Carlos Rivero RF
Matt Skole 1B
Jhonatan Solano C
Micah Owings LF
P: Ross Ohlendorf