McLouth makes first start, good test for Espinosa (with Nats-Mets lineups)

By Josh Land

Nationals

March 12, 2015, 6:45am

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PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. - Nate McLouth makes his first start of the spring today, leading off as the designated hitter. McLouth received two at-bats in yesterday's game, going 1-for-2 with a single. Nationals manager Matt Williams said McLouth won't play in the field until sometime next week as he continues on a throwing program while recovering from shoulder surgery.

Hitting second, Danny Espinosa should get at least two at-bats from the right side of the plate against Mets right-handed starter Jacob deGrom. Espinosa collected his first hit of the spring, a double, on Tuesday against the Marlins.

Mike Carp starts at first base today. He's 1-for-6 with two walks and two strikeouts so far this spring as he attempts to claim one of the final roster spots as a left-handed bat off the bench.

For the Nationals
DH Nate McLouth
SS Danny Espinosa
CF Michael A. Taylor
LF Tyler Moore
1B Mike Carp
C Jose Lobaton
3B Ian Stewart
2B Emmanuel Burriss
RF Tony Gwynn Jr.
RHP A.J. Cole

For the Mets
CF Juan Lagares
RF Curtis Granderson
3B David Wright
LF Michael Cuddyer
2B Daniel Murphy
DH John Mayberry Jr.
SS Wilmer Flores
1B Eric Campbell
RHP Jacob deGrom