Davey Johnson promised changes, and change has come. Lots of change. Let's start with what we know for sure.
Jayson Werth has been activated from the disabled list and is in tonight's lineup for the first of three games against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Anthony Rendon is also listed on the lineup card, meaning he's been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, where he's been playing second base. However, Rendon is not starting.
When reporters got to the clubhouse, they found second baseman Danny Espinosa's locker had been cleared out and right-handed reliever Henry Rodriguez packing his things. Rodriguez said he had been designated for assignment.
Left-hander Zach Duke's name is also missing from the lineup card, but Ian Krol's name is on it. Krol was obtained from the A's in the Michael Morse deal.
No official announcements have been made by the team concerning these likely moves, so it's a fluid situation. I'll have more information as it becomes available.
The Nats have Jordan Zimmermann on the mound to open the series against the Mets. New York has lost three in a row since a five-game winning streak. The Nats have lost four of five, leading to the shakeup.
Zimmermann will be looking to rebound from his worst start of the season, where he allowed seven runs in six frames against the Orioles last Wednesday. He's still 8-3 with a 2.37 ERA. Not too shabby.
For the Nats:
CF Denard Span
RF Jayson Werth
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
LF Roger Bernadina
2B Steve Lombardozzi
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Jordan Zimmermann
Update: Espinosa has been placed on the disabled list with a fractured right wrist, retroactive to June 3. Rodriguez and Duke were both designated for assignment.
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