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Washington Nationals World Series: Howie Kendrick out of Game 3 lineup with no DH

By Jake Mastroianni

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Washington Nationals celebrates his RBI single against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning in Game Two of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 23, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Washington Nationals celebrates his RBI single against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning in Game Two of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 23, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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One negative about the Washington Nationals being home is that a big bat will have to exit the lineup in Game 3 of the World Series.

As the Washington Nationals get ready to host their first World Series game, Howie Kendrick will not be part of the starting lineup.

Playing by the National League rules, neither team will be allowed to use the designated hitter spot in the lineup in Game 3.

Because of that, Dave Martinez had to make a difficult decision as to what to do on the right side of his infield.

In the first two games of this World Series he was able to use Kendrick at the DH and have Asdrubal Cabrera at second and Ryan Zimmerman at first.

He won’t have that luxury in Game 3, and as was announced this afternoon, it’s Howie Kendrick who will be the odd man out.

Kendrick has been really good this postseason hitting .277 with a home run and 10 RBI. That RBI total is tied for the most by any player this postseason (Juan Soto also has 10 RBI).

In the World Series he’s 2-for-9 and had that huge RBI, infield single in the seventh of Game 2 that kept the rally alive.

Kendrick is 5-for-20 lifetime against Houston Astros starter Zack Greinke with a pair of doubles and just 2 strikeouts.

Zimmerman has been very good in the postseason both at the plate and at first base, so Kendrick can’t get in the lineup there.

So it really comes down to Kendrick vs. Cabrera.

Asdrubal was really struggling coming into this World Series matchup, but he’s picked up 3 hits in 9 at-bats the past two games with 3 RBI. Although, he has struck out five times.

The switch-hitter has a ton of experience against Greinke though with 16 hits in 37 at-bats (.432 average) and just 2 strikeouts against him.

As great as Howie has been for the Washington Nationals this season, Cabrera is the clear choice to start.

But look for Howie to still have an impact on this game as a pinch-hitter. Now Martinez can deploy him in a big spot late in the game.

The rest of the lineup is as expected. Kurt Suzuki continues to start behind the plate after some clutch moments in games one and two.

Suzuki is unsung hero. light. Related Story

Make sure you read our Game 3 Preview as we breakdown the pitching matchups for Game 3 and give you our prediction.

Next. Why Nats offense is thriving. dark

Game 3 of this World Series will start tonight (Friday) at 8:07 p.m. ET on FOX.

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