Scherzer returns for marquee pitching matchup with Matt Harvey (with lineups)

FLUSHING, N.Y. - Nationals ace Max Scherzer returns to the mound eight days after injuring his right thumb at the plate. Swelling forced Scherzer to miss his scheduled start Tuesday in Atlanta and the result was arguably the wildest game in Nationals history.

Scherzer experienced tough luck on opening day against the Mets at Nats Park. He held the Mets without a hit through 5 2/3 innings before an error from shortstop Ian Desmond led to the Mets' first run. He ended up taking the loss, despite not allowing an earned run in 7 2/3 innings.

Scherzer's 1-2 record isn't reflective of how he's pitched. He has struck out 29 batters while walking only four in 28 2/3 innings, en route to a sterling 1.26 ERA.

As expected, the Nats will be without center fielder Denard Span after he removed himself from last night's game in the sixth inning after experiencing pain in the region of his most recent core muscle surgery.

Michael A. Taylor takes over for Span in center and at the leadoff spot in the order. Taylor was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts last night in his first two plate appearances since rejoining the Nationals on Wednesday from Triple-A Syracuse.

Hard-throwing Mets right-hander Matt Harvey will also make his second start against the Nats this season. On April 9, Harvey held the Nats scoreless, while striking out nine, in his first six innings since returning from Tommy John surgery.

His performance against the Nats ignited a 4-0 start as he brings a 3.04 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings into tonight's showdown.

In minor league lineup news, infielder Anthony Rendon is scheduled to start for Double-A Harrisburg when they travel to play the Bowie Baysox tonight. Rendon will bat second and play second base.

For the Nationals:

CF Michael A. Taylor
3B Yunel Escobar
LF Jayson Werth
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
C Wilson Ramos
SS Ian Desmond
2B Dan Uggla
RHP Max Scherzer

For the Mets:

RF Curtis Granderson
CF Juan Lagares
1B Lucas Duda
LF Michael Cuddyer
3B Daniel Murphy
SS Wilmer FLores
2B Dilson Herrera
C Kevin Plawecki
RHP Matt Harvey