The tarp is on the field at Nationals Park and the raindrops are coming down sideways at a pretty rapid rate.
I have absolutely no inside information on whether tonight's game will be played. Reporters just scan the forecast on Weather.com like the rest of you. But I can tell you that the forecast doesn't look great.
That's about the extent of my meteorology knowledge for the time being. I'll obviously keep everyone posted with the latest updates once I hear anything.
If tonight's game is played, Jordan Zimmermann will face off against a Tigers team that ranks second in the league in batting average (.285), first in on-base percentage (.352), sixth in slugging (.428), and tied for second in runs (164).
The reigning American League MVP, Miguel Cabrera, is batting a ridiculous .385 and reaching base at a .465 clip. He's driven in 36 runs and has 47 hits, tops in the majors in both categories.
Torii Hunter is batting .361, Prince Fielder is hitting .304 with eight homers, and Omar Infante and Austin Jackson both have OPS's above .745.
Yes, this is the group that Zimmermann will try to hold at bay. He takes an 18-inning scoreless streak into tonight's game having thrown two straight gems against the Reds and Braves - both quality offensive ballclubs.
The Tigers take things to a whole different level, though.
The Nationals have yet to announce their lineup. I'll add it once it's up.
For the Tigers
CF Austin Jackson
RF Torii Hunter
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
LF Andy Dirks
SS Jhonny Peralta
C Alex Avila
2B Omar Infante
RHP Anibal Sanchez
Update: Jayson Werth is out for a fourth straight game with a tight right hamstring.
For the Nationals
CF Denard Span
SS Ian Desmond
RF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
LF Tyler Moore
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Jordan Zimmermann
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