Preview And Lineups: Spring Training Game 19 | Houston Astros @ Washington Nationals
By Jared Book
Fresh off of some new cuts and two wins yesterday, the Washington Nationals get right back at it, giving the Houston Astros the home treatment. After their B or C Team beat the Astros in yesterday’s back and forth affair, the Astros get the Nationals A Team today where Wilson Ramos will catch back-to-back days for the first time this Spring. Davey Johnson has said that Ramos will catch an entire nine inning game by the end of Spring Training.
March 05, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) lays down a bunt against the Houston Astros during a spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Washington defeated Houston 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Young makes his second appearance for the Nationals and looks to build off of his first official Spring start. He also appeared in a minor league game early in Spring. For the Astros, new acquisition and former top prospect in Cleveland and Colorado Alex White gets the call as he tries to fight for a spot in the Astros rotation.
Young is auditioning not to be the Nationals sixth starter but to see if he can garner interest for a Major League spot in another organization.
Offensively for the Astros, they put out a better lineup than the Nationals did yesterday in Kissimmee. The 2 through 8 hitters are all expected to be a part of Houston’s Opening Day roster including former National Rick Ankiel.
For Washington, it’s another look at their A Lineup, but with Steve Lombardozzi at third instead of Chad Tracy as Ryan Zimmerman still is in hitting-only mode as he does fielding work on the side.
Houston Astros (7-9)
Marwin Gonzalez SS
Brett Wallace 1B
Chris Carter LF
Carlos Pena DH
Justin Maxwell CF
Rick Ankiel RF
Jason Castro C
Matt Dominguez 3B
Jake Elmore
P: Alex White
Washington Nationals (8-8)
Denard Span CF
Jayson Werth RF
Bryce Harper LF
Ryan Zimmerman DH
Adam LaRoche 1B
Ian Desmond SS
Danny Espinosa 2B
Wilson Ramos C
Steve Lombardozzi 3B
P: Chris Young