Game 44 lineups: Nats vs. Mariners

The Nationals didn't exactly enjoy a successful road trip, losing two of three both in Pittsburgh and Atlanta. They'll hope their fortunes improve this week at home against the Mariners and Padres.

Joe Ross has an opportunity to get things started on a positive note, returning from a three-week stint at Triple-A Syracuse to take the mound tonight. We'll see if the right-hander has been able to adjust his arm slot, get better downward movement on his sinker and save enough in the tank to get through the lineup a third time. If not, Jacob Turner is available for long relief out of the bullpen.

The Nationals will be getting a look tonight at right-hander Christian Bergman, who has pitched well so far in two starts for Seattle after struggling the last three years with Colorado. Bergman did pitch an inning of relief against the Nats last August, giving up a two-run homer to Bryce Harper.

The forecast isn't great (for tonight or the entire series) but it doesn't look quite as bad as it did earlier today. We'll see if they can get this one started on time. As always, though, don't hold me accountable for anything weather-related ...

SEATTLE MARINERS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 188/869, MLB.com
Weather: Rain late, 66 degrees, wind 8 mph in from right field

NATIONALS (26-17)
SS Trea Turner
LF Jayson Werth
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
2B Daniel Murphy
3B Anthony Rendon
C Matt Wieters
CF Michael A. Taylor
RHP Joe Ross

MARINERS (20-25)
SS Jean Segura
LF Ben Gamel
2B Robinson Canó
RF Nelson Cruz
3B Kyle Seager
1B Danny Valencia
C Mike Zunino
CF Jarrod Dyson
RHP Christian Bergman