Ryan Zimmerman returns to the lineup, crunch time for Dan Uggla and others

JUPITER, Fla. - First baseman Ryan Zimmerman is back in the Nationals lineup after banging his left shoulder during a diving stop in the first inning of Friday's loss to the Cardinals. It's a good sign for the Nationals, who have suffered a rash of injuries this spring.

With just five spring games left before opening day, today's lineup features a quartet of non-roster invitees still fighting to earn a trip back to Washington: second baseman Dan Uggla, right fielder Clint Robinson, third baseman Ian Stewart and left fielder Tony Gwynn Jr.

Uggla is batting .270 (10-for-37) with two homers, two doubles and seven RBIs, and his nine walks are second only to right fielder Bryce Harper's 12 this spring. Uggla has received more playing time than expected with Yunel Escobar, the team's projected starter at second base, missing much of the exhibition season with an oblique strain.

Robinson has been tossing the lumber around all spring. His 28 total bases are third on the Nats in Grapefruit League play. He brings a .341 average into today's game with two homers, a triple, five doubles and eight RBIs. Robinson has shown he can produce in the clutch, as well. Four of his eight RBIs came on a grand slam against the Mets.

If Stewart makes the team, he is an option to start opening day at third base for the injured Anthony Rendon. His bat has cooled a bit recently, but he's still had a solid spring hitting .263 with three homers. He also provides the Nats with versatility to fill in at second base and first base.

Gwynn was the last National to show up for spring training when he signed his minor league contract just before the start of the exhibition season. He has been the most pleasant surprise of camp and seems to be a lock to make the opening day roster, especially with outfielders Denard Span and Jayson Werth unavailable for the start of the season because of injuries. Gwynn is hitting .375 with a homer, two doubles and a triple.

For the Nats
CF Michael A. Taylor
2B Dan Uggla
1B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Clint Robinson
3B Ian Stewart
C Jose Lobaton
SS Danny Espinosa
LF Tony Gwynn Jr.
RHP Taylor Jordan

For the Cardinals
3B Matt Carpenter
RF Jason Heyward
LF Matt Holliday
SS Jhonny Peralta
C Yadier Molina
CF Jon Jay
1B Mark Reynolds
2B Kolten Wong
RHP Michael Wacha