Game 16 Lineups: Twins at Nationals

The Twins have arrived at Nationals Park for a three-game weekend series. Then, beginning Monday, the Nationals will have their first day off after 16 straight days of games. The Phillies begin a three-game series here on Tuesday.

Every game and series is crucial. But you have to believe that this week is huge considering the daunting road trip that begins April 29. The trek begins in St. Louis, where the Nationals have always had a battle on their hands. Then the Nats go across Missouri and challenge the world champion Kansas City Royals from May 2-4.

Not enough? The road trip ends in Chicago against a talented Cubs team with an ERA that rivals the Nationals' top hurlers.

That 10-game road trip is ridiculous. After facing off against the National League East for most of the first month, this upcoming lethal roadie will be the supreme test.

So looking big picture, it would be gigantic if the Nationals can keep that good feeling going and win four out of the next six at Nats Park.

The good news for Friday night's lineup is that Jayson Werth is back in the starting nine after being bulled for hamstring tightness early in Wednesday's loss at Miami.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. MINNESOTA TWINS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT

TV: MASN, MLB.tv

Radio: 106.7 FM, XM 183, MLB.com

Weather: Cloudy, 71 degrees, 20 percent chance of precipitation, winds from left field 6 mph

TWINS
3B Eduardo Nunez
2B Brian Dozier
1B Joe Mauer
RF Miguel Sano
LF Eddie Rosario
SS Eduardo Escobar
C Kurt Suzuki
RHP Kyle Gibson
CF Bryon Buxton

NATIONALS
CF Michael A. Taylor
3B Anthony Rendon
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
2B Daniel Murphy
LF Jayson Werth
SS Danny Espinosa
C Jose Lobaton
LHP Gio Gonzalez