Game 89 lineups: Nats at Mets

NEW YORK - It's another gray afternoon here at Citi Field, with a chance for more rain late tonight. Hopefully that doesn't impact the third game of this weekend's series between the Nationals and Mets, though with our luck lately don't be surprised if it does.

On the heels of a 3-1 victory last night behind Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals send co-ace Max Scherzer to the mound tonight, looking to expand their lead in the division to five games. Scherzer, named Strasburg's All-Star replacement yesterday, is facing a New York lineup minus Yoenis Cespedes (strained quad) plus all the other guys who have been injured for a while. That leaves Neil Walker batting third and James Loney batting cleanup in this one.

Speaking of Mets injuries, Matt Harvey was originally scheduled to pitch tonight, but he's now having season-ending surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in his shoulder. So it'll be right-hander Logan Verrett taking his spot against a Nats lineup card that mirrors the one Dusty Baker filled out last night. That's right, no Trea Turner. Based on educated speculation after what Baker said yesterday, I would guess Turner starts tomorrow's game against lefty Steven Matz, playing second base with Daniel Murphy shifting to first base.

Friendly reminder that tonight's game is on FOX. Kenny Albert and Tom Verducci have the call. Here's a coverage map for you (basically the entire East Coast gets this game) ...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at NEW YORK METS
Where: Citi Field, New York
Gametime: 7:15 p.m. EDT
TV: FOX, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, XM 869, MLB.com
Weather: Chance of rain late, 74 degrees, wind 9 mph out to left field

NATIONALS (52-36)
CF Ben Revere
LF Jayson Werth
2B Daniel Murphy
RF Bryce Harper
C Wilson Ramos
1B Clint Robinson
3B Anthony Rendon
SS Danny Espinosa
RHP Max Scherzer

METS (47-39)
3B Jose Reyes
RF Curtis Granderson
2B Neil Walker
1B James Loney
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
LF Brandon Nimmo
C Travis d'Arnaud
CF Alejandro De Aza
RHP Logan Verrett