Starting lineups: Nats vs. Orioles in D.C. on MASN (game canceled)

After six long weeks, the Nationals have finally broken camp and departed Florida. All that stands between them and Opening Day against the Phillies on Thursday are a couple of off-days and today’s exhibition finale against the Orioles.

Yes, today’s game is the first of a five-year deal between the two neighboring clubs that will see them play an annual home-and-home exhibition series from 2026-29, with this year’s edition only taking place with one game at Nationals Park.

Jake Irvin will take the mound for the last time before he assumes the No. 2 starter’s role and faces the Phillies on Saturday. In his last Grapefruit League start on Wednesday, the right-hander was roughed up for six runs, 10 hits and two homers while experiencing a drop in his velocity. While Irvin insisted it was nothing to worry about, it is something to monitor in this otherwise unimportant game.

Although the Nationals have their regulars in the starting lineup, they aren’t expected to play the whole game. After they get their at-bats, they’ll give way to the group of bench players and prospects, some of whom are still competing for roster spots. The Nationals are expected to make their final cuts following today’s game.

This game is also the MASN crew’s final tuneup before Opening Day. I highly suggest joining Bob Carpenter and Kevin Frandsen at the top of the broadcast at 1 p.m. on MASN.

Update: The start of today's game has been delayed due to inclement weather. More updates will come, but the Nats cannot afford to wait around for too long because they have their annual Homecoming Gala this evening.

Update II: Today's exhibition game has been canceled due to inclement weather and will not be made up. Tickets can be exchanged for a future date. More information will be available at nats.com/rain.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, DC 87.7 (Spanish), MLB.com
Weather: Showers, 53 degrees, wind 10 mph out to center field

NATIONALS
SS CJ Abrams
RF Dylan Crews
LF James Wood
DH Josh Bell
3B Paul DeJong
1B Nathaniel Lowe
C Keibert Ruiz
2B Luis García Jr.
CF Jacob Young 

RHP Jake Irvin

ORIOLES
LF Colton Cowser
C Adley Rutschman
2B Jordan Westburg
DH Ryan O'Hearn
RF Tyler O'Neill
1B Ryan Mountcastle
CF Cedric Mullins
3B Ramón Urías
SS Jackson Holliday

LHP Cade Povich