Doug Fister gets tough test against Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins (Cole cut)

By Josh Land

Nationals

March 18, 2015, 6:52am

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JUPITER, Fla. - Ian Stewart gets another start at third base today for the Nationals, while Anthony Rendon continues to recover from a sprained left MCL. The seven-year veteran has been swinging a hot bat. Stewart is hitting .389 with two homers, a double and three RBIs.

Right-hander Doug Fister will have a good test against Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton in his third start of the spring. Fister also becomes the first Nats pitcher to hit in the exhibition season, with the designated hitter having previously being used.

For the Nationals
CF Michael A. Taylor
2B Dan Uggla
1B Ryan Zimmerman
3B Ian Stewart
LF Tyler Moore
RF Clint Robinson
C Jose Lobaton
SS Danny Espinosa
RHP Doug Fister

For the Marlins
2B Dee Gordon
LF Christian Yelich
LF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Michael Morse
3B Martin Prado
CF Marcell Ozuna
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
RHP Mat Latos

Update: The Nationals announced this morning that right-hander A.J. Cole has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.