Werth hitting cleanup in return to Nationals

By Josh Land

Nationals

April 13, 2015, 8:00am

Comments

BOSTON - Left fielder Jayson Werth will hit cleanup in his return to the Nationals. Manager Matt Williams slotted Werth, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list this morning, into the fourth spot in the lineup for today's afternoon game at Fenway Park against the Red Sox.

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who has hit cleanup in each of the Nationals' previous six games this season, drops to fifth in the lineup. He is struggling, starting the season 3-for-26 (.130).

Clint Robinson's early-season success has earned him a start as the designated hitter - remember, it's an interleague game and the home opener for the Red Sox - and will hit sixth. That bumps shortstop Ian Desmond into the seven-hole.

Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann starts for the Nationals.

Ex-National Sandy Leon gets the start behind the plate for the Red Sox. You can bet Boston hitters are leaning heavily on Leon for a scouting report on Zimmermann.

For the Nationals:

CF Michael A. Taylor
3B Yunel Escobar
RF Bryce Harper
LF Jayson Werth
1B Ryan Zimmerman
DH Clint Robinson
SS Ian Desmond
C Jose Lobaton
2B Danny Espinosa

RHP Jordan Zimmermann

For the Red Sox:

CF Mookie Betts
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
LF Hanley Ramirez
3B Pablo Sandoval
1B Mike Napoli
RF Shane Victorino
SS Xander Bogaerts
C Sandy Leon

RHP Rick Porcello