Michael A. Taylor leads Nats against Marlins (with lineups)

By Josh Land

Nationals

March 29, 2015, 6:19am

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VIERA, Fla. - Center fielder Michael A. Taylor could be the Nationals' leadoff man against the Mets on opening day. He's occupied that spot in the order for much of the Grapefruit League season since both center fielder Denard Span and third baseman Anthony Rendon went out with injuries. Taylor has produced 14 hits in a team leading 47 at-bats this spring for a .298 average. Eight of those hits have gone for extra bases, including three homers and two triples.

Mike Carp showed up to camp as a non-roster invitee. He was expected to contend for a bench spot with his left-handed bat and ability to play both first base and left field. Carp has been disappointing, delivering just seven hits in 34 at-bats (.206). The 28-year-old Carp was a valuable reserve for the world champion Red Sox two seasons ago. He'll get another opportunity to convince manager Matt Williams that he's deserving of a roster spot when he starts at first base today.

The Marlins brought their opening day lineup to face Nats starter Doug Fister today. That, of course, includes start right fielder Giancarlo Stanton, who was 3-for-3 against the Nats on March 18 with a RBI double off Fister and a gigantic solo blast off right-hander Casey Janssen.

For the Marlins:

2B Dee Gordon
LF Christian Yelich
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Michael Morse
3B Martin Prado
CF Marcell Ozuna
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
RHP Tom Koehler

For the Nationals:

CF Michael A. Taylor
2B Yunel Escobar
RF Bryce Harper
C Wilson Ramos
SS Ian Desmond
LF Tyler Moore
1B Mike Carp
3B Danny Espinosa
RHP Doug Fister