Washington Nationals World Series: Roster changes and Game 1 lineup

We take a quick look at the roster changes for the Washington Nationals in the World Series and breakdown the Game 1 lineup.

As the Washington Nationals get set to take on the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the 2019 World Series on Tuesday night, we break down their final roster and Game 1 lineup.

The Nats officially announced their World Series roster on Tuesday afternoon and there weren’t many surprises.

The only changes from the NLCS are the additions of Wander Suero and Joe Ross. Austin Voth and Roenis Elias — who haven’t thrown a single pitch in the postseason — were removed to make room.

Suero could be an X-factor here as he has been really good at time this year for the Nationals with a WHIP of 1.26 and 81 strikeouts in 71.1 innings.

However, he struggled a little bit in the last two months of the regular season and then gave up a couple of hits, including a home run, in the NLDS against the Dodgers.

But with all of the righties in the Astros lineup, Suero could be called on in the middle innings to get a big out. He held righties to just a .207 average this year.

Ross is another righty who will likely serve as a long reliever if needed — let’s hope not.

Game 1 Lineup (projected): 

1. Trea Turner — SS

2. Adam Eaton — RF

3. Anthony Rendon — 3B

4. Juan Soto — LF

5. Howie Kendrick — DH

6. Ryan Zimmerman — 1B

7. Yan Gomes — C

8. Asdrubal Cabrera – 2B

9. Victor Robles — CF

Pitcher: Max Scherzer

With the DH, the Nats are able to get Cabrera or Brian Dozier in the lineup at second base.

My guess is they’ll go with the switch-hitting Cabrera even though Dozier is the better fielder and Cabrera hasn’t fared well against Cole.

I also like having Robles in the nine spot as another leadoff hitter to try and flip the lineup.

UPDATE:

A couple of obvious differences from my projected lineup. Kurt Suzuki will get the start at catcher over Yan Gomes.

That’s a little surprising considering Gomes has hit much better in the postseason is a much better defensive catcher.

And not only does Asdrubal Cabrera get the nod over Brian Dozier at second base, but he’s hitting sixth in the lineup despite being just 2-for-17 in his career against Gerrit Cole.

There is your Game 1 lineup for Tuesday night’s matchup between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros in the World Series. The game is set to start at 8:08 p.m. ET on FOX.