Washington Nationals' right-hander Stephen Strasburg gave up five hits, two walks and four runs, all earned in 4.0 IP last time out in Grapefruit League action against the Atlanta Braves. In his previous two starts the '09 no.1 overall pick had allowed three hits and two earned runs in 2.2 and 3.0 IP against the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins. Tonight, the 23-year-old starter takes on the New York Mets on the road at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, FL. After Strasburg, the Nats have Craig Stammen, Ryan Mattheus, Atahualpa Severino and Henry Rodriguez scheduled to throw. The defense behind Strasburg tonight will feature Steve Lombardozzi, Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and Mark DeRosa left-to-right around the infield and an outfield of Brett Carroll, Rick Ankiel and Roger Bernadina. Try not to read anything into Lombardozzi at the top of the lineup, (though after putting up a .371 OBP in 2010 and a .360 OBP last year he might hit there when he plays if he does indeed make the Opening Day roster), but as MASN's Dan Kolko reported this morning in an article entitled, "Johnson committed to Desmond, Espinosa atop lineup", the Nats are committed to Desmond at short, Espinosa at second with the two infielders hitting 1-2, respectively, in the lineup when the season starts. Tonight it's another chance for Lombardozzi to continue impressing...
• Here's Tonight's Lineup For the Nationals:
- Steve Lombardozzi - 3B
- Ian Desmond - SS
- Danny Espinosa - 2B
- Mark DeRosa - 1B
- Wilson Ramos - C
- Rick Ankiel - CF
- Brett Carroll - LF
- Roger Bernadina - RF
- Stephen Strasburg - SP