Split-squad lineups: Nats vs. Cardinals and Marlins

JUPITER, Fla. – The Nationals weren’t able to play Friday night due to persistent rain across the entire state of Florida. So they’ll try to play two today … even though neither is a makeup game against the Astros! See, the Nats already had a day-night, split-squad doubleheader scheduled. (Such great planning for the second-to-last day of spring training, huh?)

It all gets started at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, where half of the team will face the Cardinals and Miles Mikolas for the third time in 12 days. The veteran right-hander didn’t give up much in those previous two matchups, allowing a total of three runs in 10 innings. Jake Irvin will oppose Mikolas, and he’s been excellent each of his last two starts against the Mets and Marlins, totaling nine scoreless innings on three hits, zero walks and 10 strikeouts.

The nightcap sees the other half of the Nationals staying home in West Palm Beach to face the Marlins, with Josiah Gray making his final tune-up before he takes the mound for real Opening Day in Cincinnati. Gray had a wild night against the Astros on Monday, walking seven, striking out six but somehow only allowing one run in five innings. He’ll look to find the strike zone just a bit more this time.

You’ll notice some players who were part of Friday’s roster cuts in the lineups today and tonight. Because of the split-squad situation, the Nationals have no choice but to use every available body, even those no longer in major league camp.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (ss) vs. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Where: Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: None
Radio: MLB.com (Cardinals feed)
Weather: Rain ending, 77 degrees, wind 16 mph out to right field

NATIONALS (ss)
RF Lane Thomas
LF Jesse Winker
DH Juan Yepez
1B Joey Gallo
2B Ildemaro Vargas
CF Victor Robles
C Riley Adams
3B Trey Lipscomb
SS Nasim Nuñez

RHP Jake Irvin

CARDINALS
LF Brendan Donovan
1B Paul Goldschmidt
2B Nolan Gorman
3B Nolan Arenado
C Willson Contreras
DH Matt Carpenter
RF Jordan Walker
CF Dylan Carlson
SS Masyn Winn

RHP Miles Mikolas

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (ss) vs. MIAMI MARLINS
Where: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach
Gametime: 6:05 p.m. EDT
TV: None
Radio: MLB.com (Marlins feed)
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 77 degrees, wind 11 mph out to right field

NATIONALS (ss)
SS CJ Abrams
CF Eddie Rosario
3B Nick Senzel
1B Joey Meneses
C Keibert Ruiz
LF James Wood
RF Alex Call
2B Luis García Jr.
DH Jacob Young

RHP Josiah Gray

MARLINS
2B Luis Arraez
RF Jesus Sanchez
1B Josh Bell
CF Jazz Chisholm Jr.
3B Jake Burger
SS Tim Anderson
LF Elly De La Cruz
DH Avisail Garcia
C Christian Bethancourt

RHP Vladimir Gutierrez