Max Scherzer to ramp it up, while Dan Uggla, Mike Carp try for a late push

By Josh Land

Nationals

March 20, 2015, 6:52am

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KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Right-hander Max Scherzer is scheduled to throw five innings or around 70 pitches in his fourth spring start today. He's been very solid so far, allowing just two runs on nine hits with eight strikeouts and one walk in nine full innings this spring.

Dan Uggla starts at second base. He's batting .273 with a homer, two doubles and four RBIs while competing for a bench spot behind starter Yunel Escobar.

Mike Carp needs a late spring push to make the roster. Carp, who signed a minor league contract with an invite to spring training, was projected to have a good shot of making it because of his left-handed bat and ability to play both first base and left field. Carp, though, has only hit .238 in 11 games.

For the Nationals
CF Tony Gwynn Jr.
SS Danny Espinosa
RF Bryce Harper
LF Tyler Moore
1B Mike Carp
2B Dan Uggla
C Jose Lobaton
3B Kevin Frandsen
RHP Max Scherzer

For the Astros
2B Jose Altuve
RF George Springer
3B Luis Valbuena
1B Chris Carter
C Jason Castro
SS Jed Lowrie
LF Colby Rasmus
DH Jon Singleton
CF Jake Marisnick

RHP Samuel Deduno