Harper needs support, Espinosa starts at first base (with lineups)

The Nationals are desperately searching for production behind Bryce Harper in the lineup as they continue to struggle to score runs. Harper factored in three of the Nats' four runs last night - mashing a solo homer, delivering an RBI single and scoring after drawing his major league-leading 51st walk.

Teams continue to pitch around Harper with no consistent threat lurking in the order. Even the home run Harper launched off Brewers starter Mike Fiers last night was meant to be high and out of the zone, but Harper went and got it.

Harper hasn't cooled down after a scorching May either. Through 11 games this month, the 22-year-old is batting .368 (14-for-38) with three homers, four doubles, seven walks, and six RBIs. But his teammates have only helped him cross the plate for two of his five runs scored.

Danny Espinosa's eight homers are next best to Harper's 21 on the Nats. Espinosa has also walked the second most times on the team, but with 21 free passes, he still stands 30 behind Harper's mark.

Espinosa makes the first start of his career at first base today in Nationals manager Matt Williams' effort to spark the offense. It will be the fifth different position the versatile Espinosa has played this season after seeing action at second base, third base, shortstop and left field.

For the Nationals:

CF Denard Span
2B Anthony Rendon
3B Yunel Escobar
RF Bryce Harper
C Wilson Ramos
1B Danny Espinosa
SS Ian Desmond
LF Michael A. Taylor
RHP Joe Ross

For the Brewers:

CF Carlos Gomez
C Jonathan Lucroy
RF Ryan Braun
1B Adam Lind
3B Aramis Ramirez
LF Gerardo Parra
SS Jean Segura
2B Scotter Gennett
RHP Jimmy Nelson