Scherzer ramping up pitches, batting for himself today in Viera

By Mark Zuckerman

Nationals

March 24, 2016, 5:12am

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VIERA, Fla. - There are several signs that you've reached the home stretch of spring training - starting pitchers going five to six innings, position players going back-to-back days, empty lockers throughout the clubhouse after players were cut - but here's another sign that the end is almost here: No more DH.

Yes, Max Scherzer will be batting for himself this afternoon, the first time this spring a Nationals pitcher has stepped to the plate in a game. Scherzer also is slated to throw up to 100 pitches in his penultimate exhibition start before he takes the mound for real on opening day in Atlanta.

The Cardinals also are sending their opening day starter to the mound, with Adam Wainwright making the trip up from Jupiter to pitch today's game. Dusty Baker will send plenty of his regulars out there to face Wainwright, including five guys who also started last night against the Yankees: Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon and Wilson Ramos.

Like I said, the end of spring is drawing near ...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Where: Space Coast Stadium, Viera, Fla.
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: None
Radio: MLB.com (Cardinals broadcast)
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 79 degrees, wind 13 mph in from left field

NATIONALS
SS Trea Turner
2B Daniel Murphy
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Jayson Werth
3B Anthony Rendon
CF Michael A. Taylor
C Wilson Ramos
RHP Max Scherzer

CARDINALS
2B Kolten Wong
RF Stephen Piscotty
LF Brandon Moss
SS Jedd Gyorko
1B Matt Adams
CF Tommy Pham
C Brayan Pena
3B Greg Garcia
RHP Adam Wainwright