The Nationals could use a refreshed and well-rested right-hander Stephen Strasburg after the disappointment of Friday's loss to the Mets and the news of Adam Eaton's injury.
The club has promoted center fielder Rafael Bautista to the active roster from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Eaton, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list with what is being called a left knee strain for now.
Michael A. Taylor starts in center field in today's lineup and Jose Lobaton gives catcher Matt Wieters a day off.
Strasburg will look to improve on his career-high four consecutive quality starts to begin the season. Strasburg has gone at least seven innings each start, and he surrendered only two runs on six hits with 10 strikeouts in Atlanta April 20.
Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler is 1-1 with a 4.08 ERA with 17 strikeouts in his last three starts. He went seven innings his last time out. Anthony Rendon is batting .438 (7-for-16) in his career versus Wheeler.
NEW YORK METS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, XM 184/869, MLB.com
Weather: Mostly clear, 84 degrees, wind 7 mph right field to left field
NATIONALS (16-7)
SS Trea Turner
CF Michael A. Taylor
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
2B Daniel Murphy
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Jayson Werth
C Jose Lobaton
RHP Stephen Strasburg
METS (9-13)
LF Michael Conforto
SS Asdrúbal Cabrera
RF Jay Bruce
2B Neil Walker
CF Curtis Granderson
3B José Reyes
1B T.J. Rivera
C Travis d'Arnaud
RHP Zack Wheeler
By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.masnsports.com/