Game 82 lineups: Nats vs. Dodgers

Good morning from Nationals Park - and, yes, it was morning when last we spoke. Less than 11 hours after they wrapped up a rain-delayed 5-3 loss to the Dodgers, the Nationals are back to work for their annual Independence Day morning game, needing a win to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the defending World Series champs.

They will do so with a lineup that remains depleted. Trea Turner is out for the fourth straight day with a left finger injury. Yan Gomes also isn't catching today, which isn't all that surprising on the heels of a late-night game, but it should be noted he was struck by a pitch on his right arm Saturday night. So it's again Alcides Escobar at shortstop and now Tres Barrera behind the plate.

This lineup will be facing a bevy of Dodgers relievers, who have been pressed into duties after today's original starter, Trevor Bauer, was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball. First up will be left-hander Garrett Cleavinger, who will serve as an opener. David Price also is expected to pitch multiple innings somewhere along the way.

Joe Ross is the Nats' starter, and boy could they use length and quality from the right-hander to help get the game into Brad Hand's, uh, hands at the end of the day. Hand is more than fresh, having not yet pitched in the series. So this could be a day where he's asked to record more than three outs, if the right situation arises.

Hope everyone enjoys a happy and safe Fourth of July!

LOS ANGELES DODGERS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 11:05 a.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Partly cloudy, 75 degrees, wind 4 mph out to right field

NATIONALS
2B Josh Harrison
RF Juan Soto
3B Starlin Castro
1B Josh Bell
LF Yadiel Hernandez
SS Alcides Escobar
CF Victor Robles
C Tres Barrera
RHP Joe Ross

DODGERS
RF Mookie Betts
1B Max Muncy
LF Matt Beaty
CF Cody Bellinger
2B Chris Taylor
3B Zach McKinstry
SS Gavin Lux
C Austin Barnes
LHP Garrett Cleavinger