Game 131 lineups: Nats at Mets

By Mark Zuckerman

Nationals

August 26, 2018, 6:30am

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NEW YORK - Will the Nationals score a run today? That it has come to this is quite a statement on where things currently stand for this ballclub. Since Ryan Zimmerman's dramatic, walk-off homer Wednesday night against the Phillies, the Nats have come up to bat 27 times. And 27 times they have failed to score a run. As you know, this is the first time in club history they've been shut out three straight games.

So that's the task facing today's lineup, which doesn't include Bryce Harper (not starting against Mets lefty Steven Matz) or Matt Wieters (giving way to Spencer Kieboom for the day game). Otherwise, it's the current regulars playing today, including Juan Soto (who starts his 46th consecutive game this afternoon).

Jefry Rodriguez makes his sixth career start, his first against the Mets. The lanky right-hander has yet to complete more than five innings or throw more than 96 pitches. You would think Davey Martinez and Derek Lilliquist would like to extend Rodriguez a little more today, but that'll depend on how the rookie is performing, and (to be honest) how the Nationals are hitting.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at NEW YORK METS
Where: Citi Field
Gametime: 1:10 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, MLB.com
Weather: Partly cloudy, 79 degrees, wind 10 mph out to left field

NATIONALS
RF Adam Eaton
SS Trea Turner
3B Anthony Rendon
1B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Juan Soto
CF Michael A. Taylor
2B Wilmer Difo
C Spencer Kieboom
RHP Jefry Rodriguez

METS
SS Amed Rosario
2B Jeff McNeil
LF Michael Conforto
3B Todd Frazier
1B Jay Bruce
CF Austin Jackson
RF JosÃ© Bautista
C Tomas Nido
LHP Steven Matz