Game 143 lineups: Nats at Twins

MINNEAPOLIS - For the first time since 2008, the Nationals are playing a game in Minnesota. And for the first time ever, they're playing a game at Target Field. This is the only currently active ballpark in the majors that has never hosted the Nats before, so they're about to be 30-for-30. (By the way, can you name the only two Nationals pitchers ever to win games in the state of Minnesota? Why, it's Jason Simontacchi and Levale Speigner, of course!)

This is a big series for both clubs. The Nationals need to get back on track after dropping 3-of-4 in Atlanta. The Twins, though, also need to get back on track after dropping 2-of-3 to the Indians, who are trying to chase them down for the American League Central title.

Since we're in an AL park, the Nats get to use a designated hitter. That's actually an interesting dilemma, because they've got more than a few viable candidates. Davey Martinez is going with Howie Kendrick tonight. That means Asdrúbal Cabrera is at second base with Ryan Zimmerman at first base, leaving the struggling Matt Adams on the bench even though they're facing a righty in José Berríos. Also notable: With Kurt Suzuki's elbow still not 100 percent, Yan Gomes is catching Aníbal Sánchez for the first time this season. Certainly something to keep an eye on.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at MINNESOTA TWINS
Where: Target Field
Gametime: 7:40 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, MLB.com
Weather: Clear, 75 degrees, wind 6 mph out to right field

NATIONALS (79-63)
SS Trea Turner
RF Adam Eaton
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Juan Soto
DH Howie Kendrick
2B Asdrúbal Cabrera
1B Ryan Zimmerman
C Yan Gomes
CF Victor Robles

RHP Aníbal Sánchez

TWINS (88-55)
LF Luis Arraez
SS Jorge Polanco
DH Nelson Cruz
RF Eddie Rosario
C Mitch Garver
3B Ehire Adrianza
1B Willians Astudillo
CF LaMonte Wade Jr.
2B Jonathan Schoop

RHP José Berríos