Starting lineups: Astros vs. Nats at West Palm Beach

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Amid persistent rumors that the Nationals may still be trying to boost their rotation with a late free agent signing, right-hander A.J. Cole gets another opportunity to show the Washington brass that he's capable of holding down the fifth spot in the rotation.

Cole makes his second Grapefruit League start this afternoon when the Nationals host an Astros split squad in a game that will be televised live on MASN (and replayed twice this evening). In his first spring outing on March 1 against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Cole tossed two innings, allowing two hits and a walk with three strikeouts.

Having Cole lock down the No. 5 starter's job would allow the Nationals to divert payroll elsewhere, perhaps to bolstering their catching corps or bullpen. Because Cole is out of options - meaning he has to be exposed to waivers if the Nats want to farm him out - it's time for the perennial prospect to make the 25-man opening day roster or risk having to continue his career elsewhere.

HOUSTON ASTROS vs. WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EST
TV: MASN (rebroadcasts at 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.)
Radio: None
Weather: Partly sunny, 79 degrees, winds 11 mph from right field to left field

NATIONALS
SS Wilmer Difo
2B Howie Kendrick
RF Bryce Harper
3B Anthony Rendon
C Matt Wieters
LF Brian Goodwin
CF Andrew Stevenson
1B Chris Dominguez
DH José Marmolejos

RHP A.J. Cole

ASTROS (ss)
RF Josh Reddick
3B Marwin Gonzalez
2B Jose Altuve
SS Carlos Correa
DH Even Gattis
1B AJ Reed
C Max Stassi
LF Jon Kemmer
CF Tomy Kemp

RHP Charlie Morton