Game 40 lineups: Nats vs. Rays (García scratched)

After what felt like the longest road trip ever - but in reality was only 10 days and 11 games - the Nationals return home tonight to open a five-game homestand. And they're facing stiff competition right out of the gate in the exceptional Rays.

Owners of the American League's best record at 28-13, Tampa Bay has quietly put together an outstanding team, even if many of the names don't jump right out at you. The Rays don't hit for a ton of power, but they get on base and they score runs.

So it'll be a nice challenge for Max Scherzer this evening. The ace has been dealing with the highest walk rate of his career, which has led to high pitch counts and shorter outings. Given the Rays' patient approach at the plate, he can't afford to nibble around the zone. He'll need to go right after hitters.

The Nationals, who don't have Juan Soto (sore elbow), Howie Kendrick (hamstring) or Asdrúbal Cabrera (stiff back) in tonight's lineup, need to find ways to manufacture runs like they did Friday and Saturday in Atlanta. They're facing veteran Charlie Morton, who is still working his way back from a shoulder injury. After throwing only 36 pitches in two innings his last time out, he'll be limited to four or five innings at most tonight.

Update: The Nationals scratched Luis García from tonight's lineup, one day after the young second baseman hurt his heel in Atlanta. So that's yet another name missing from tonight's starting nine ...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. TAMPA BAY RAYS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 6:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Clear, 81 degrees, wind 8 mph out to left field

NATIONALS
RF Adam Eaton
SS Trea Turner
DH Brock Holt
C Kurt Suzuki
1B Eric Thames
2B Josh Harrison
3B Carter Kieboom
2B Luis García
LF Michael A. Taylor
CF Victor Robles

RHP Max Scherzer

RAYS
LF Austin Meadows
RF Brandon Lowe
2B Joey Wendle
1B Ji-Man Choi
SS Willy Adames
3B Yoshi Tsutsugo
CF Kevin Kiermaier
DH Nate Lowe
C Kevan Smith

RHP Charlie Morton