PHILADELPHIA – They lost two of three in Boston. Then they lost two of three in Chicago. How will the Nationals fare the next three days in Philadelphia, home of a team with a 30-14 record?
It’s going to be a challenge, especially for a Nats lineup that was shut out twice by the White Sox and is really struggling to score runs right now. That group does have one power hitter back for the first time in three weeks, though: Joey Gallo. Gallo has officially been activated off the 10-day injured list. The corresponding move: Trey Lipscomb was optioned to Triple-A Rochester. Gallo and Co. will hope to make some loud contact tonight against the always-tough Zack Wheeler.
Jake Irvin gets the ball for the Nationals, looking to hold a dangerous Phillies lineup in check. Trea Turner is currently on the IL, but the rest of their regulars are healthy and productive, including Bryce Harper. The Nats will need Irvin’s best tonight, given their own offensive woes.
Luis García Jr. was removed from tonight's lineup and is replaced by Ildemaro Vargas. He'll bat fifth behind Gallo, who was moved up to the clean-up spot.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 6:40 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 88.7 FM (Spanish), MLB.com
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 70 degrees, wind 6 mph out to left field
NATIONALS
SS CJ Abrams
RF Eddie Rosario
DH Joey Meneses
1B Joey Gallo
2B Ildemaro Vargas
C Keibert Ruiz
LF Jesse Winker
3B Nick Senzel
CF Victor Robles
RHP Jake Irvin
PHILLIES
DH Kyle Schwarber
C J.T. Realmuto
1B Bryce Harper
3B Alec Bohm
2B Bryson Stott
RF Nick Castellanos
LF Brandon Marsh
SS Edmundo Sosa
CF Johan Rojas
RHP Zack Wheeler