Game 35 lineups: Nats at Brewers (Rendon up, Kieboom down)

MILWAUKEE - It's not enough to completely change the complexion of the lineup, but the Nationals do have to feel a little better about the state of things now because they've got Anthony Rendon back 17 days after he was hit by a pitch in the left elbow. Yes, the Nationals have officially activated Rendon off the 10-day injured list. He'll be at third base and should be batting third, a major boon to the club both at the plate and in the field.

The corresponding roster move: Carter Kieboom was optioned back to Triple-A Fresno. It's a tough move for the organization, which really hoped its top prospect would be ready to handle the big leagues. But after 11 games, it was pretty painfully clear he was not. The 21-year-old wound up 5-for-39 with two homers, two RBIs, four walks, 16 strikeouts, a -6 Defensive Runs Saved rating and -0.9 WAR.

There's another transaction, but not the one we expected. Erick Fedde has been recalled from Double-A Harrisburg, with Tony Sipp placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained oblique. Fedde provides some depth to the bullpen. Those are the only moves announced for now. We'll wait to get word on Yan Gomes' forearm and Andrew Stevenson's back. Given the need to have two healthy catchers, I wouldn't be surprised if Spencer Kieboom has made his way from Harrisburg to Milwaukee and is on standby. Stay tuned.

As for tonight's game, Stephen Strasburg gets the nod and will look to do what Max Scherzer did to this tough Brewers lineup last night. Milwaukee, meanwhile, is using an opener: right-hander Adrian Houser. He may not stick around for long, with manager Craig Counsell likely to make several pitching changes along the way. Could make for a long night.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Where: Miller Park
Gametime: 7:40 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, MLB.com
Weather: Indoors

NATIONALS (14-20)
LF Adam Eaton
RF Victor Robles
3B Anthony Rendon
1B Howie Kendrick
C Kurt Suzuki
2B Brian Dozier
SS Wilmer Difo
CF Michael A. Taylor
RHP Stephen Strasburg

BREWERS (21-16)
CF Lorenzo Cain
RF Christian Yelich
2B Mike Moustakas
C Yasmani Grandal
LF Ben Gamel
1B Jesús Aguilar
3B Travis Shaw
SS Orlando Arcia
RHP Adrian Houser