Preview And Lineups: Spring Training Game 20 | Washington Nationals @ St. Louis Cardinals

Today the Washington Nationals get another look at Adam Wainwright. It’s the third time this Spring and fifth time since the 2012 Regular Season ended. That’s pretty crazy.

A bit of a mixed bag from the St. Louis Cardinals offensively today. Some regulars, some back ups, some minor leaguers. Same thing for the Nationals.

March 05, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Dan Haren (15) throws a pitch in the spring training game against the Houston Astros at Space Coast Stadium. Washington defeated Houston 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

What I will be watching today (and yes, literally watching as the game is on MLB.tv (and MLB Network but not live) is Dan Haren. Haren is facing the team he started his Major League career with but this is the first time he will be pitching as a National on television. It will be a good way to see what his stuff looks like and whether he can still get Major League hitters out. Haren has been improving as the Spring has gone on and that is a positive sign for Washington. In case you missed it earlier, check out our Q&A with Baseball Prospectus Editor-in-Chief Ben Lindbergh where he tries to temper expectations on Haren, and talks other subjects around the Nationals.

Offensively, Carlos Rivero gets a start in the infield now that Matt Skole and Anthony Rendon are no longer around (and Chad Tracy is the designated hitter and Steve Lombardozzi is at second base.) Rivero had been mostly in the outfield this spring. Also notable is grand-slam-hitting hero from yesterday Micah Owings will be getting the start in left field. He will be starting the year in AAA, but good for the Nationals brass to get a good look at him for the remainder of the spring.

Game time is 1:05.

Washington Nationals (9-8)
Steve Lombardozzi 2B
Kurt Suzuki C
Tyler Moore RF
Chad Tracy DH
Chris Marrero 1B
Carlos Rivero 3B
Corey Brown CF
Micah Owings LF
Zach Walters SS
P: Dan Haren

St. Louis Cardinals (9-8)
Jon Jay CF
Daniel Descalso 2B
Matt Carpenter 3B
Ty Wigginton DH
Matt Adams 1B
Shane Robinson RF
Adron Chambers LF
Pete Kozma SS
Rob Johnson C
P: Adam Wainwright