Back spasms force Span to join Harper on sidelines (updated lineups)

PHILADELPHIA - Right fielder Bryce Harper will miss his second straight game after pulling up lame with a right leg cramp on a double in the 11th inning of Wednesday's victory over the Braves. Harper remained in that game, scoring the game-winning shortly after, but was unable to play yesterday. Nationals manager Matt Williams yesterday called Harper's absence in the lineup nothing but a "day off."

Clint Robinson will start for Harper in right field. Robinson was 2-for-3 with an RBI yesterday and is batting .320 with a homer, two doubles and three RBIs over his past seven contests.

Max Scherzer returns to the mound for the first time since tossing his first career no-hitter on Saturday against the Pirates. In three starts against Philadelphia this year, Scherzer is 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA. He struck out 23 Phillies and only walked three over 22 innings.

Meanwhile, Ryne Sandberg resigned as Phillies manager this afternoon. Pete Mackanin, who played for the Expos from 1975-77 and later served as a third base coach with the team, will serve as interim manager for this weekend's series.

Update: Denard Span is a late scratch from tonight's game with back spasms. Span began experiencing the back issues during a June 7 loss to the Cubs.

Michael A. Taylor slides over to center field and will take over the leadoff spot in the order. Robinson moves over to left field with Matt den Dekker getting his first start of the year in right field.

For the Nationals:

CF Michael A. Taylor
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Yunel Escobar
LF Clint Robinson
C Wilson Ramos
SS Ian Desmond
1B Tyler Moore
RF Matt den Dekker
RHP Max Scherzer

For the Phillies:

CF Odubel Herrera
2B Cesar Hernandez
3B Maikel Franco
1B Ryan Howard
RF Domonic Brown
LF Cody Asche
C Cameron Rupp
SS Freddie Galvis
RHP Aaron Harang