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