LaRoche sits for a second straight day

Adam LaRoche is out of the Nationals' lineup for the second straight day. LaRoche, who has been dealing with some tightness in his back since late in the Nationals' series against the Marlins earlier this week, will not play in this afternoon's series finale against the Reds. Chad Tracy will play first base and hit in the No. 5 hole in LaRoche's stead again today. With the Nats having a day off tomorrow, manager Davey Johnson likely wants to give LaRoche three full days to rest his back going into the Nationals' series with the White Sox, which starts Tuesday. Tracy went 1-for-5 with two strikeouts yesterday. Stephen Strasburg will get the ball for the Nats today, looking to build upon the seven scoreless innings he threw back on opening day against the Marlins. The Nats will take their hacks against Johnny Cueto, the Reds right-hander who went 19-9 with a 2.78 ERA last season. Cueto allowed one run over seven innings in his first start this season. For the Nats: CF Denard Span RF Jayson Werth LF Bryce Harper 3B Ryan Zimmerman 1B Chad Tracy SS Ian Desmond 2B Danny Espinosa C Kurt Suzuki RHP Stephen Strasburg For the Reds: CF Shin-Soo Choo LF Xavier Paul 1B Joey Votto 2B Brandon Phillips RF Jay Bruce 3B Todd Frazier SS Zack Cozart C Ryan Hanigan RHP Johnny Cueto