Anthony Rendon and Yunel Escobar return to Nationals lineup

By Josh Land

Nationals

July 25, 2015, 12:18pm

Comments

PITTSBURGH - The Nationals lineup is beginning to round into form. Anthony Rendon returns from the disabled list after missing the last 25 games with a strained left quad. Manager Matt Williams has penciled Rendon in at second base where he has started 12 of his 18 games this season.

The Nationals also welcome back Yunel Escobar after the 32-year-old rested his sore left wrist and hand the past two games. Escobar, whose .321 batting average is fifth in the National League, will play third base.

Left-hander Gio Gonzalez looks to repeat his Father's Day performance against the Pirates. Gonzalez held Pittsburgh scoreless over seven innings, surrendering only four hits and two walks with four strikeouts in the 9-2 victory at Nationals Park.

Aramis Ramirez will make his season debut for the Pirates after Pittsburgh acquired the third baseman from the Brewers on Thursday. The 18-year veteran, who played his first six seasons in Pittsburgh, was hitting .247 with 11 homers and 42 RBIs for Milwaukee this year.

For the Nationals:
CF Michael A. Taylor
2B Anthony Rendon
RF Bryce Harper
3B Yunel Escobar
1B Clint Robinson
SS Ian Desmond
C Jose Lobaton
LF Matt den Dekker
LHP Gio Gonzalez

For the Pirates:
RF Gregory Polanco
LF Starling Marte
CF Andrew McCutchen
3B Aramis Ramirez
SS Jung Ho Kang
C Francisco Cervelli
2B Neil Walker
1B Sean Rodriguez
RHP A.J. Burnett