Game 137 lineups: Nats vs. Cubs

It’s September, which means there are only four weeks to go in the season and rosters now expand from 26 to 28. For the Nationals, that means the major league debuts of infielder Darren Baker and reliever Zach Brzykcy, who both are being called up from Triple-A Rochester today and joining the active roster. There may not be much playing opportunity for Baker, who plays second base and a little bit of outfield, but Brzykcy (pronounced BRICK-see) should get a good look out of the bullpen the rest of the way.

As for today’s game, the Nats need a win to avoid what would be a very frustrating sweep. Each of the last two games were there for the taking, but they couldn’t avoid one big inning on the mound and then couldn’t deliver one more clutch hit in the ninth inning. They’ll hope to get out to a lead today and then maintain it, perhaps even get the ball to Kyle Finnegan.

Mitchell Parker gets the start, and he had an erratic August. He allowed one or fewer earned runs in six or more innings in three of his starts. But he was torched for nine runs in Philadelphia, and lasted only four innings (despite giving up only two runs) last time out against the Yankees.

The Nationals will be facing left-hander Jordan Wicks, who returns from a long stint on the injured list after having an oblique strain.

To clear space on the 40-man roster for Baker, the Nats transferred Trevor Williams to the 60-day IL. That doesn't change the right-hander's timetime for potentially returning before season's end.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs CHICAGO CUBS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 88.7 FM (Spanish), MLB.com
Weather: Cloudy, 83 degrees, wind 6 mph out to center field

NATIONALS
RF Dylan Crews
3B José Tena
DH Andrés Chaparro 
LF James Wood
1B Juan Yepez
SS CJ Abrams
C Keibert Ruiz
2B Luis García Jr.
CF Jacob Young

LHP Mitchell Parker

CUBS
LF Ian Happ
SS Dansby Swanson
DH Seiya Suzuki
RF Cody Bellinger
3B Isaac Paredes
1B Patrick Wisdom
2B Nico Hoerner
CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
C Miguel Amaya

LHP Jordan Wicks