Nationals’ Opening Day Lineup Prediction

Mar 5, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder

(34) at bat against the New York Mets in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

3. Bryce Harper LF

2013 Stats: .274/.368/.486 HR 20 R 71 RBIs 58 SB 11

Before Bryce Harper got hurt last year, few questioned whether or not he was a true number three hitter. The problem is not ability, it’s whether or not Harper is 100 percent healthy. If he is, the Nationals have one of the best hitters in the league.

Harper hitting third also helps the balance of the Nationals’ lineup. Before getting hurt, he had nine home runs and was hitting.356 in a month’s span.