Lineups: Marlins vs. Nats at West Palm Beach

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The competiton for the Nationals' No. 5 starter role takes front and center this afternoon, when right-hander Joe Ross faces the Marlins in his second spring start.

Ross, who is battling right-handers Austin Voth and Erick Fedde for the last spot in the rotation, worked two perfect innings in his last outing on Wednesday against the Yankees in Tampa. Ross was supposed to follow Max Scherzer in the team's exhibition opener, but rain cost him that opportunity after he'd warmed up.

Ross is out of options, meaning he'd have to pass through waivers in order to be sent to the minor leagues, an unlikely scenario. For that reason, if he doesn't win the No. 5 spot, the Nats could keep him on the major league roster by shifting him to the bullpen. Voth is also out of options, while Fedde has one remaining, which gives the Nationals the ability to demote him.

Third baseman Carter Kieboom, who has struggled defensively and at the plate this spring, gets a breather today. Asdrúbal Cabrera is playing third base.

Ryan Zimmerman, who played in back-to-back games over the week, also is off today, with Howie Kendrick taking over at first base.

Taylor Gushue is behind the plate.

MIAMI MARLINS VS. WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Where: FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach
Gametime: 1:10 p.m. EST
TV: None
Radio: None
Weather: Partly cloudy, 77 degrees, wind 15 mph out to right field

NATIONALS

RF Adam Eaton
3B Asdrúbal Cabrera
DH Juan Soto
1B Howie Kendrick
LF Yadiel Hernandez
CF Michael A. Taylor
SS Wilmer Difo
2B Adrián Sánchez
C Taylor Gushue

RHP Joe Ross

MARLINS

CF Jonathan Villar
3B Brian Anderson
LF Corey Dickerson
1B Jesús Aguilar
RF Matt Joyce
DH Garrett Cooper
2B Isan Díaz
C Francisco Cervelli
SS Miguel Rojas

RHP Pablo López