Espinosa gets first career start at third base for injured Escobar (with lineups)

By Josh Land

Nationals

April 18, 2015, 7:21am

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Yunel Escobar is out of today's lineup with a strained groin. Escobar's injury occurred while legging out a grounder to first base in the fifth inning last night. He pulled up lame just as he reached the bag and would leave the game immediately after.

Escobar's departure paves the way for Danny Espinosa to make his first career major league start at third base. Espinosa took over for Escobar there last night and began playing the position during the final two weeks of spring training due to Anthony Rendon's left knee sprain.

espinosa over the shoulder catch atlanta sidebar.jpg Expect to see Espinosa digging in from the left side of the plate against Phillies right-hander Aaron Harang today. Espinosa's bat has surprisingly looked strong with that approach. He's batting .286 with two homers, a double, three walks and three RBIs so far.

Jayson Werth gets a day off after playing five in a row since returning from the disabled list on Monday. Clint Robinson gets his third career start in left field for Werth today. He's 6-for-19 (.316) with a triple, double and two RBIs this season.

For the Phillies
CF Odubel Herrera
SS Freddy Galvis
2B Chase Utley
RF Jeff Francoeur
3B Cody Asche
LF Darin Ruf
1B Ryan Howard
C Cameron Rupp
RHP Aaron Harang

For the Nationals
CF Michael A. Taylor
SS Ian Desmond
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Clint Robinson
2B Dan Uggla
3B Danny Espinosa
C Jose Lobaton
RHP Jordan Zimmermann