Nats align workout schedule as they prepare for postseason opener

The game times for the National League Division Series games against the Chicago Cubs are locked in. Game 1 Friday will begin at 7:31 p.m. Eastern time and Game 2 is set for first pitch Saturday at 5:38 p.m. Eastern time in D.C.

The games will be broadcast nationally by TBS. MASN will broadcast exclusive one-hour pregame and postgame shows during each game of the playoffs.

The Nationals will have workouts Tuesday and Wednesday at Nats Park. Manager Dusty Baker will meet with the media Tuesday and then the players will be available both days to preview the Cubs.

Baker outlined his plan for this week, including a day off for everyone today after an impressive 97-65 regular season.

"I'm going to try to give everybody a day off (Monday), a mental break and a physical break," Baker said. "Then we'll go back to work. We'll go back to the fundamentals and make sure we try to cover up most of the bases: PFPs (pitchers' fielding practice), infield, outfield, catch a lot of balls, go over the signs. There will be some pitchers that will want to get some work that are going to throw to hitters.

"Then we'll be back Tuesday and Wednesday, and then Thursday. we'll take it like a normal batting practice. Make sure they get a good night's rest and come out smoking on Friday."

The Game 1 starter for each club will meet with the media on Thursday, as is customary.

These next four days are critical for the health status of Max Scherzer and Bryce Harper. Harper went 2-for-4 with a walk, a strikeout and two runs scored on Sunday. The two hits were the most he has had the last week in one game since his return from a hyperextended knee and strained calf that had sidelined him since Aug. 12. He won't do anything out of the ordinary this week as he gets ready for Game 1.

"Just try to stay as normal as I can," Harper said. "Go out there and play my game and worry about what I can control. The next four days are going to be a lot of fun to just relax mentally, physically for everybody in this clubhouse. I'm excited to hang out with my family and enjoy that with them and look forward to Friday."

Left fielder Jayson Werth spoke Sunday about getting the opportunity to play games in the second season.

"The good news is we've got some games you want to play in coming up," Werth said. "And I always say, the only games to play in are in October. So I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful for the opportunity that we have. And I love our chances."

This week, look for a simulated game or two where the pitchers will get a chance to stretch out. It is likely that Baker will schedule a workout under the lights one time this week now that he knows the game time will be 7:31 p.m. for Game 1. He could also test the shadows for Saturday with a workout around 5:38 p.m. one day this week, as well.

The other question this week is where Baker will slot Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez in the first three games. This is all contingent on how Scherzer's tight hamstring reacts to treatment as the week plays out.