Preview And Lineups: Spring Training Game 14 | Miami Marlins @ Washington Nationals

Today we see the real effect of the World Baseball Classic on Spring Training games. While the Washington Nationals had been rolling out their regular season rotation so far, today they go to sixth starter Chris Young who will make his first start in a real exhibition game (he previously pitched in a minor league game after getting a late start to Spring Training). With Ross Detwiler going to the Classic, Young takes his “turn” in the “rotation” as the Nationals get another look at something close to their Opening Day lineup. Same thing for the Miami Marlins (kidding, they aren’t that bad.)

It will be interesting to see what Young will be doing in this game. He is in the awkward position of kind of fighting for a rotation spot but kind of not. He won’t make the rotation unless someone gets injured but he is still trying to show teams what he can do, similar to what I wrote about Carlos Rivero. Young is a veteran and has had a history with arm injuries but he is a good person to have in the organization should he want to stay.

For Miami, they will be going with Alex Sanabia who also is not set to be in their Opening Day rotation. He is battling for a roster spot after spending last year in AAA. He last pitched in the major leagues in 2011. He is only 24 years old and was a 32nd round pick for the Marlins back in 2006.

After three straight days of the Nationals on MLB.tv, today’s game is not being broadcast. After yesterday’s game, maybe it’s a good thing we get a break from watching the team.

Miami Marlins (5-5)
Christian Yelich LF
Chone Figgins 2B
Matt Downs 3B
Joe Mahoney 1B
Kyle Jensen DH
Chris Coghlan RF
Nick Green SS
Kyle Skipworth C
Gorkys Hernandez CF
P: Alex Sanabia

Washington Nationals (5-6)
Denard Span CF
Jayson Werth RF
Bryce Harper LF
Ryan Zimmerman DH
Adam LaRoche 1B
Ian Desmond SS
Danny Espinosa 2B
Kurt Suzuki C
Steve Lombardozzi 3B
P: Chris Young