Johnson sets lineup for exhibition vs. Georgetown

By Pete Kerzel

Nationals

March 01, 2012, 9:05am

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VIERA, Fla. - Nationals manager Davey Johnson has announced his starting lineup for Friday's exhibition game against the Georgetown Hoyas: 2B - Steve Lombardozzi LF - Xavier Paul RF - Bryce Harper 1B - Tyler Moore DH - Brett Carroll 3B - Anthony Rendon CF - Corey Brown SS - Andres Blanco C - Sandy Leon P - Matthew Purke Purke will be limited to 40 pitches, the manager said. Johnson said he would try to coax eight innings out of four pitchers in two-inning stints, with three non-roster right-handed relievers set to follow lefty Purke: Austin Bibens-Dirkx, Rafael Martin and Waldis Joaquiin. If necessary, the Nationals will have veteran righty Jeff Fulchino, a non-roster invitee, and lefty Atahualpa Severino, who is on the 40-man roster, available, too. The Nationals are bringing five players from the accelerated development camp to flesh out their bench: infielders Justin Bloxom, Zach Walters and Jeff Kobernus, and outfielders Michael Taylor and Destin Hood. Johnson said Harper would also play Saturday when the Nationals open their Grapefruit League season against the Astros in Kissimmee, Fla.