Starting lineups: Nats vs. Rays in Port Charlotte

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Hello from the Gulf Coast of Florida, the opposite side of the state from where you usually hear from us. The Nationals are making a rare overnight spring training trip, with back-to-back games against the Rays here in Port Charlotte and then the Braves in nearby North Port. Most of the regulars have made the trip and will play in both games before heading back to West Palm Beach on Friday night.

DJ Herz takes the mound for what is arguably an important start for the young lefty. With the race for the fifth starter’s job still wide open, Davey Martinez and Mike Rizzo are just waiting for somebody to step in and seize it. Mitchell Parker made his case with a strong start Monday against the Marlins. Herz now gets his chance to make his own case this afternoon against Tampa Bay.

The Nats lineup includes the starting outfield trio of Alex Call, Jacob Young and Dylan Crews, with James Wood serving as the designated hitter. Luis García Jr. is starting at second base. And CJ Abrams is leading off and starting at shortstop after coming out of Wednesday’s game in the first inning with cramps in both quad muscles.  

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. TAMPA BAY RAYS
Where: Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte, Fla.
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: None
Radio: MLB.com (Rays’ feed)
Weather: Sunny, 77 degrees, wind 11 mph out to center field

NATIONALS
SS CJ Abrams
RF Dylan Crews
DH James Wood
3B Paul DeJong
2B Luis García Jr.
LF Alex Call
1B Juan Yepez
CF Jacob Young
C Andrew Knizner

LHP DJ Herz

RAYS
1B Yandy Díaz
2B Brandon Lowe
SS Taylor Walls
LF Eloy Jimémez
DH Josh Lowe
C Danny Jansen
RF José Caballero
CF Tony DeLuca
3B Coco Montes

RHP Shane Baz