Bryce Harper is not in the starting lineup for today's series finale against the Phillies as the Nationals seek a four-game split.
Harper had started the Nats' last 11 games and has appeared in all 27 contests since coming back from the disabled list on June 30.
Instead, Scott Hairston is starting in left against Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels. Hairston has had tremendous career success versus the Philadelphia southpaw, batting .390/.432/.878 with five homers, five doubles and nine RBIs in 41 at-bats. The kicker - Hairston has faced Hamels more than any other pitcher in his career, and he still feasts on him.
Stephen Strasburg opposes the Philly ace for his first start of August. Strasburg is coming off a solid July where he posted a 3.18 ERA and struck out 44 batters in 39 2/3 innings over six starts.
For the Nationals
CF Denard Span
3B Anthony Rendon
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
LF Scott Hairston
2B Asdrubal Cabrera
C Jose Lobaton
RHP Stephen Strasburg
For the Phillies
CF Ben Revere
SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RF Marlon Byrd
LF Grady Sizemore
C Wil Nieves
3B Cody Asche
LHP Cole Hamels
By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.masnsports.com/