Game 81 lineups: Nats at Cardinals (Solís off DL)

ST. LOUIS - We are just slightly more than 24 hours away from the announcement of this year's All-Star rosters, so in theory tonight presents the last opportunity for players to make their case for a trip to Miami and the Midsummer Classic. Which means this could be an especially big start for Gio Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has put together All-Star credentials over the last three months; he's 7-2 with a 2.87 ERA and ranks in the top 10 in the National League in many pitching categories. One more strong outing tonight against the Cardinals could do the trick. Then again, one ragged start could weaken his case.

The Nationals are going up against a longtime nemesis in Michael Wacha, who came within one out of no-hitting them here as a rookie in 2013 and has mostly owned them since. Wacha has a 1.57 ERA in four career starts vs. the Nats, though they did beat him last year with three runs in six innings.

The Nats bullpen appears to be getting a boost tonight, as well. Sammy Solís has returned from his rehab stint with Triple-A Syracuse and appears ready to be activated from the DL after missing more than two months with nerve irritation in his left elbow. We're still waiting on official word, and on a corresponding roster move.

Tonight's game is on FOX, with Justin Kutcher and Eric Karros on the call. Click on the link below to see a coverage map, because the game isn't available everywhere.

Update: The Nationals have reinstated Solís from the 10-day disabled list. To create space on the 25-man roster, right-hander Jacob Turner has been designated for assignment.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Where: Busch Stadium
Gametime: 7:15 p.m. EDT
TV: FOX (coverage map), MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 89/869, MLB.com
Weather: Clear, 88 degrees, wind 7 mph left field to right field

NATIONALS (47-33)
CF Michael A. Taylor
LF Brian Goodwin
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
2B Daniel Murphy
3B Anthony Rendon
SS Stephen Drew
C Matt Wieters
LHP Gio Gonzalez

CARDINALS (38-41)
CF Tommy Pham
LF Randal Grichuk
RF Jose Martinez
3B Jedd Gyorko
C Yadier Molina
1B Luke Voit
SS Paul DeJong
2B Alex Mejia
RHP Michael Wacha