Game 149 lineups: Nats vs. Rockies

The Nationals are not a good baseball team. Sorry to put it so harshly, but it's impossible to ignore that fact at this point. And they haven't just been bad since the trade deadline; they already were headed well in that direction a month prior to it. They've now played 70 games since July 1, and their record across that span is a dismal 20-50, worst in the majors. It also matches the worst 70-game stretch in club history, previously achieved only by the 2008 and 2009 teams.

Those two previous teams, of course, are the only teams in Nationals history to lose 100 games. The 2021 Nats probably aren't going to do the same, but they're going to finish a lot closer to the century mark than anyone could've thought possible. With 14 games to go, they need to win three to avoid 100 losses.

They'll try to cross one of those off the list this afternoon in their series finale against the Rockies, hoping to avoid getting swept by one of the worst road teams in the majors (25-51 entering today). They'll do so with Paolo Espino on the mound, the right-hander trying to finish up his season strong. He's been good in three of his last four starts, and today he should surpass the 100-inning mark for the season, which is quite an achievement for him.

After getting shut out for the second time in a week on Saturday, the Nationals will try to mount some offense today against Rockies right-hander Jon Gray. It's the usual lineup vs. righties for Davey Martinez, with Josh Bell, Yadiel Hernandez and Keibert Ruiz all in there.

COLORADO ROCKIES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Sunny, 80 degrees, wind 9 mph in from left field

NATIONALS
CF Lane Thomas
SS Alcides Escobar
RF Juan Soto
1B Josh Bell
LF Yadiel Hernandez
3B Carter Kieboom
C Keibert Ruiz
2B Luis García
RHP Paolo Espino

ROCKIES
CF Garrett Hampson
2B Brendan Rodgers
RF Charlie Blackmon
SS Trevor Story
1B C.J. Cron
3B Ryan McMahon
LF Sam Hilliard
C Dom Nuñez
RHP Jon Gray