Nationals’ Opening Day Lineup Prediction

Mar 6, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon (6) bats in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

8. Anthony Rendon 2B

2013 Stats: .265/.329/.396 HR 7 R 40 RBIs 35 SB 1

Putting Anthony Rendon in the eight-hole shows just how deep the Nationals order is because Rendon would be a number two hitter on a lot of teams. Similarly to Zimmerman, when Rendon is on, he is driving the ball to right field.

The eight hole is a difficult spot to hit in as there is no protection, but I’m confident Rendon could do it because he is very patient at the plate. If Rendon is hitting well, expect him to jump up to the number two hole.