Preview And Lineups: Spring Training Game 23 | Detroit Tigers @ Washington Nationals

Whenever somebody points out Spring Training records as if they mean something, all you need to do is show them today’s lineups. You actually have two competitive teams so that’s not an issue. You have two regular starters so it’s not even that. Look closer. You have one team using the designated hitter and one team not. Yes, this will only affect one or two at bats but when you have two teams using two strategies, it makes the result of the game absolutely meaningless.

March 13, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws a pitch during the spring training game against the New York Mets at Space Coast Stadium. The Nationals beat the Mets 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

That’s your friendly reminder. As I mentioned, the Detroit Tigers are actually bringing a pretty good lineup to Viera. Most regulars are in the lineup as is expected when Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic are both coming to an end. Jordan Zimmermann gets a look at the heart of the order for the reigning American League champions in what many people can see as being a potential World Series.

Washington is putting out their version of an Opening Day lineup complete with Ryan Zimmerman at third base. Reviews from his first game there over the weekend were positive as being better than last year but not quite to where he was before that. That will take some time as he gets his arm and routine back to where they are supposed to be. After the third round of cuts this morning, you can expect Washington to put out more lineups like this one every second day or so.

The Washington Nationals offense will be facing off against Max Scherzer who will be looking to provide, along with Anibal Sanchez, a fearsome top-three of the rotation with Justin Verlander at the top. Detroit and Washington both feature two of the top rotations in baseball and the two starters today are reasons they are.

Gio Gonzalez, on regular rest pitched a minor league game today. The Nationals are trying to sort back through their rotation as they fit in the two players (Ross Detwiler being the other) who just got back from the World Baseball Classic.

Today’s game is at 1:05.

Detroit Tigers (13-9)
Andy Dirks LF
Torii Hunter RF
Miguel Cabrera 3B
Prince Fielder 1B
Victor Martinez DH
Alex Avila C
Don Kelly CF
Omar Infante 2B
Ramon Santiago SS
P: Max Scherzer

Washington Nationals (10-10)
Denard Span CF
Jayson Werth RF
Bryce Harper LF
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Adam LaRoche 1B
Ian Desmond SS
Danny Espinosa 2B
Wilson Ramos C
Jordan Zimmermann P