Werth leading off, Desmond sixth, Detwiler takes the hill

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

August 17, 2012, 11:42am

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For the first time this season, the Nationals will have Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse, Adam LaRoche, Jayson Werth, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and Bryce Harper in the same lineup. This is more along the lines of what we were expecting back in spring. Werth will hit leadoff for Davey Johnson today, while Desmond is back in the sixth spot in the order. Ross Detwiler will get the ball today, as Johnson has elected to flip the lefty and Edwin Jackson in the rotation. Detwiler will pitch on normal rest because of yesterday's off day, while Jackson will go tomorrow on six days rest. Johnson makes that move in order to split up his left-handers. Detwiler and Gio Gonzalez had previously been pitching back-to-back. For the Nats: RF Jayson Werth CF Bryce Harper 3B Ryan Zimmerman LF Michael Morse 1B Adam LaRoche SS Ian Desmond 2B Danny Espinosa C Kurt Suzuki P Ross Detwiler For the Mets: SS Ruben Tejada CF Andres Torres 3B David Wright RF Scott Hairston 1B Daniel Murphy 2B Ronny Cedeno LF Jason Bay C Kelly Shoppach P Johan Santana