Game 161 lineups: Nats vs. Red Sox

The Nationals put up a fight Friday night against the Red Sox, but couldn't convert a few golden opportunities with runners in scoring position and wound up losing 4-2. In the process, the Red Sox moved a step closer to clinching a spot in Tuesday night's American League wild card game. Their magic number is at two entering the day, so they're in with a win and losses by the Blue Jays (who play at 3:07 p.m.) and Mariners (who don't play until 9:10 p.m.).

It's up to the Nats to try to delay their celebration. Which means it's up to Josiah Gray to deliver in a big spot this afternoon in his final start of the season. The rookie right-hander has been good in seven starts since his arrival, not good in four others. He'd love to finish on a high note while facing his toughest challenge to date.

The Nationals have the same starting eight in today's lineup as they had Friday. That means Luis García is out for the second straight day, so something's going on with him. We'll hopefully get an answer from manager Davey Martinez shortly on that. Andrew Stevenson also starts in left field again for Yadiel Hernandez, who had a dental procedure Friday, but did pinch-hit.

And there's an old friend on the bench today: Gerardo Parra. Yes, the veteran outfielder was activated off the 10-day injured list so he can have one (or two) last shots at glory, and so the fans here can enjoy one (or two) last opportunities to experience "Baby Shark" at Nationals Park. To make room for Parra on the active roster, the Nats placed Josh Rogers (who looked perfectly healthy during his six-inning start Friday night) on the 10-day IL with a strained right hamstring.

BOSTON RED SOX at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 4:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Partly cloudy, 79 degrees, wind 7 mph out to center field

NATIONALS
CF Lane Thomas
SS Alcides Escobar
RF Juan Soto
1B Josh Bell
C Keibert Ruiz
LF Andrew Stevenson
2B Jordy Mercer
3B Carter Kieboom
RHP Josiah Gray

RED SOX
2B Enrique Hernández
1B Kyle Schwarber
SS Xander Bogaerts
3B Rafael Devers
RF J.D. Martinez
LF Alex Verdugo
CF Hunter Renfroe
C Christian Vázquez
RHP Tanner Houck