Candelario returns to lineup after missing Sunday's loss

Jeimer Candelario is back in the Nationals lineup this afternoon, and while that wouldn’t seem to be a dramatic change, for this particular lineup at this particular time, it is quite significant.

Candelario was scratched from the lineup Sunday about an hour prior to first pitch with a sore right thumb after getting jammed the previous evening. Michael Chavis, who was supposed to be filling in at first base for the day, shifted to third base, with Dominic Smith, who was supposed to have the day off, starting at first base after all.

The end result: The Nats managed only two runs on eight hits in a 4-2 loss to the Marlins, with Chavis going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and Smith going 0-for-4 with three groundouts to first.

Candelario may not be thought of elsewhere as a premier, middle-of-the-order bat, but he has become critical to the Nationals’ chances of scoring runs as this season has played out. His .788 OPS ranks second among all regulars on the club, behind Lane Thomas’ .822 mark. His 21 doubles rank third in the National League. And he has three Defensive Runs Saved at third base, providing steady play in the field since Opening Day.

His absence Sunday was noticeable.

“It’s tough,” manager Davey Martinez said. “You’re talking about one of our better hitters. … When you get a guy like Candy that’s a big part of our lineup – and is doing as well as he’s doing – and he can’t play that day, it could be the difference in a ballgame, especially where he’s hitting.”

Candelario did feel well enough by day’s end to make him believe he would be ready to go for today’s series opener against the Cardinals. But he still needed to pass one final test prior to first pitch.

“He’s going to go hit,” Martinez said about 2 1/2 hours before gametime. “We’ll see how he is in a little bit. I wrote him in the lineup. He said last night to put him in the lineup. If we have to take him out, we’ll make some changes.”

If Candelario has to be scratched again, the Nationals could go with Ildemaro Vargas (who started at shortstop Sunday) in his place. Or he could go back to Chavis, who despite his rough day at the plate impressed his manager with his defensive work and preparedness.

“I can’t say enough about what (Chavis) does for us,” Martinez said. “This guy sits there, works hard every day, gets an opportunity to play. He was going to play first base, all of a sudden he’s got to switch to third base, and made some really good plays for us yesterday. That’s just a testament to how prepared and ready he is when he gets an opportunity to play. He’s a valuable guy to have around, because he can do so many different things.”