Lineups: Duke Makes First Start of Season In San Francisco; Harper Returns
By Andrew Flax
Remember when I said some matchups against the Dodgers were ones you should not look to for offense? This game is the exact opposite. With Bryce Harper‘s return today, the Nationals will only be missing Jayson Werth on offense, and perhaps will have some semblance of run-scoring. Aiding the Nationals’ offensive quest will be Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong, who has struggled nearly as much as the Nationals’ starter. He has an 8.06 ERA and has allowed the most runs in baseball. It could be worse for him too: in his last outing, he allowed eight runs in two innings, but only three were earned. Some have suggested that another poor performance could see him removed from the Giants’ rotation, so the Nats’ bats may be attempting to DFA him. Interesting fact: He has yet to allow fewer than three runs in a start, and the Nationals are 20-3 when scoring three or more runs. Zach Duke may be in a similar situation. He has an 8.40 ERA as the long relief man in the Nationals’ bullpen, and is making his first start of the year in place of Ross Detwiler. If he gets shellacked, he could very well be waived too. The pressure is on for both starters to not get lit up, while the offenses are salivating. Here are tonight’s lineups:
May 17, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper (34) prior to his at bat during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Washington
Denard Span CF
Harper LF
Adam LaRoche 1B
Ian Desmond SS
Duke LHP
San Francisco
Angel Pagan CF
Hunter Pence RF
Brandon Belt 1B
Vogelsong RHP