With rain again in forecast, Nats using relievers only today vs. Mets

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - And so, after 42 days of camp, 24 completed exhibition games and four rainouts, the final day of spring training has arrived. The Nationals and Mets are set to square off here at Tradition Field, a preview of what could be quite an entertaining pennant race all season between these two rivals ... if they're able to play this one.

Yes, once again there's rain in the forecast. The tarp has been on the infield all morning and batting practice was canceled. It does appear the best chance of rain will come later in the afternoon, so they might have a good shot of getting several innings in, especially with an early 12:10 p.m. start today.

But given the spotty forecast and the fact they've got no more wiggle room from here until opening day, the Nationals made the decision to keep Max Scherzer back in Viera so he could pitch in a morning minor league game before the weather turns south. That means Trevor Gott will get the start today against the Mets' full projected lineup in what is going to end up being a bullpen game. Nothing but relievers pitching for the Nats, which actually could be helpful for them because they all need the work after two straight rainouts.

Matt Harvey, having successfully taken care of his bladder issue (I'm just going to leave the junior high jokes about this to everyone else), gets the start for New York. That's, of course, if there's actually a game played. Stay tuned for updates ...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. NEW YORK METS
Where: Tradition Field, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Gametime: 12:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MLB.tv (Mets broadcast), MLB Network (delayed at 6 a.m. Thursday)
Radio: None
Weather: Chance of storms late, 74 degrees, wind 14 mph in from right field

NATIONALS
CF Ben Revere
3B Anthony Rendon
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
2B Daniel Murphy
LF Jayson Werth
C Wilson Ramos
SS Danny Espinosa
RHP Trevor Gott

METS
RF Curtis Granderson
3B David Wright
CF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Lucas Duda
2B Neil Walker
LF Michael Conforto
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
C Travis d'Arnaud
RHP Matt Harvey