Washington Nationals' right-hander Edwin Jackson has never pitched in Nationals Park. Jackson pitched in RFK once, back when he was a Tampa Bay Ray, throwing an inning in relief in an appearance against the Nats on June 30, 2006. This afternoon he makes his first start in the nation's capital as a member of the Nationals' rotation after signing a 1-year/$11M dollar deal this winter. The 28-year-old, nine-year veteran finished up his Spring with a strong start against the Braves last week in which he gave up just two hits, a run and a walk in 6.0 IP, leaving the newest Nationals' starter (2-3) in six Grapefruit League starts in which he surrendered 28 hits, 19 runs, 14 earned, 10 walks and 14 K's coming off a 2011 season that saw him post a 3.79 ERA, a 3.55 FIP, 148 K's (6.67 K/9) and 62 walks (2.79 BB/9) for the Chicago White Sox and the World Series-winning St. Louis Cardinals. E-Jax will make his first official start next week, but today it's exhibition action against the AL East's Red Sox. Here's the lineup that will take the field behind the Nats' 6'3'' right-hander:
- Ian Desmond - SS
- Danny Espinosa - 2B
- Ryan Zimmerman - 3B (Word.)
- Adam LaRoche - 1B
- Jayson Werth - RF
- Mark DeRosa - LF
- Xavier Nady - DH
- Wilson Ramos - C
- Roger Bernadina - CF
- Edwin Jackson - RHP