Nationals’ Opening Day Lineup Prediction

Mar 2, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder

warms up before a game against the Miami Marlins at Space Coast Stadium. Werth was a late scratch due to a biceps injury, said manager

(9) after the game. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Stats: .318/.398/.532 HR 25 R 84 RBIs 82 SB 10

For me it was between Zimmerman and Jayson Werth for the fourth spot in the lineup. I went with Werth because of how great he was last year. He slugged at an excellent rate and drove in plenty of runs — both of which you want out of your cleanup hitter.

After struggling in his first two years with the Nationals, Werth had a great 2013. He went back to his career average and showed that his power was still there. If Werth struggles early, there is a good chance that he and Zimmerman switch spots in the order. However if he continues to hit well, it should help Harper because pitchers will have to pitch to him.