Game 4 lineups: Nats vs. Mets

If you could draw up a worst-case scenario for the Nationals to open the 2022 season, this has been pretty close to it: Three straight losses to the Mets, with zero starting pitchers able to complete five innings, a lineup that hasn’t done much and a couple of pitchers injured.

Perhaps the tide will begin to turn today, though, in the series finale, on what promises to be a cold, gray, windy afternoon on South Capitol Street.

The pressure’s on Erick Fedde to do what the three starters who pitched before him could not do and complete at least five innings, ideally six, and take some pressure off the bullpen. If he can keep the Nats in the game, Davey Martinez can then utilize his best relievers late in the game in meaningful situations. That’s the hope, at least.

The lineup also will need to start stringing together some hits, especially Nelson Cruz and the bottom of half of Martinez’s batting order, which has been abysmal so far. They’ll all be facing Mets right-hander Carlos Carrasco, returning from a difficult 2021 season.

After Mason Thompson’s abrupt exit from last night’s game, the Nats have placed him on the 10-day disabled list with a right biceps strain. They’ve recalled reliever Hunter Harvey to fill his roster spot.

NEW YORK METS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB Network (outside D.C. market), MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, MLB.com
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 49 degrees, wind 16 mph left field to right field

NATIONALS
2B César Hernández
RF Juan Soto
DH Nelson Cruz
1B Josh Bell
C Keibert Ruiz
LF Yadiel Hernandez
3B Maikel Franco
SS Lucius Fox
CF Victor Robles

RHP Erick Fedde

METS
CF Brandon Nimmo
SS Francisco Lindor
2B Robinson Canó
1B Pete Alonso
3B Eduardo Escobar
DH Dominic Smith
RF Mark Canha
LF Jeff McNeil
C Tomás Nido

RHP Carlos Carrasco