Game 90 lineups: Nats at Pirates (Wieters activated)

PITTSBURGH - The Nationals have scored 14 or more runs in three of their last 10 games. The Pirates have given up 17 runs twice in their last six games. So, what to expect in tonight's series opener at PNC Park? Maybe a 1-0 nail-biter?

Seriously, though, who knows what to expect from the Nats these days? They seem just as likely to hit five balls into the Allegheny River as they are to get shut out. You just don't know what you're going to get on any given day.

The Nationals do know they need something resembling a quality start out of Jefry Rodriguez tonight. With their bullpen on fumes after a bunch of shorter-than-needed starts from others, Rodriguez now takes over the spot held by Erick Fedde (before he went on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation). The 24-year-old right-hander is making his fifth MLB appearance, third start. He has completed five innings only once. That should be the minimum standard of success tonight.

Rodriguez will have some help behind the plate tonight: Matt Wieters has been activated off the disabled list and is the starting catcher. The surprise corresponding move: Pedro Severino was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, so Spencer Kieboom is staying as the backup catcher.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Where: PNC Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, ESPN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, MLB.com
Weather: Clear, 85 degrees, wind 7 mph right field to left field

NATIONALS
SS Trea Turner
LF Juan Soto
3B Anthony Rendon
CF Bryce Harper
1B Matt Adams
2B Daniel Murphy
RF Adam Eaton
C Matt Wieters
RHP Jefry Rodriguez

PIRATES
LF Corey Dickerson
CF Starling Marte
RF Gregory Polanco
3B Colin Moran
C Francisco Cervelli
1B David Freese
2B Josh Harrison
SS Max Moroff
RHP Ivan Nova