Grapefruit League GameThread: Nationals vs Cardinals with Max Scherzer on the mound

Through three starts this Spring, Washington Nationals' right-hander Max Scherzer has given up six hits, two walks and two runs, both earned, striking out eight in eight innings, over which he's held opposing hitters to a .200 AVG.

Scherzer, 31, makes his fourth start in Grapefruit League action this afternoon, when the Nationals welcome the St. Louis Cardinals to Viera, Florida's Space Coast Stadium.

Adam Wainwright starts for the Cards in the 1:05 PM EDT matchup which is available via MLB.com's At Bat app.

Here's the lineup that Wainwright will be facing in the Nationals' Spring home:

1. Trea Turner - SS
2. Daniel Murphy - 2B
3. Bryce Harper - RF
4. Ryan Zimmerman - 1B
5. Jayson Werth - LF
6. Anthony Rendon - 3B
7. Michael Taylor - CF
8. Wilson Ramos - C
9. Max Scherzer - SP

As you may have noticed, there is no DH listed in today's lineup (thank the gods), which means that Scherzer will pick up a bat in competitive action for the first time this Spring as the regular season approaches and even the pitchers will have to get their swings in.

We here at Federal Baseball are in favor of pitchers using these opportunities to get bunting practice in regardless of the situation.

Here are the rest of the Nationals who are listed on the lineup card for this afternoon's matchup via MLB.com's Bill Ladson:

Here is the #Nats' lineup for Thursday against the Cardinals. #MLB #Nationals pic.twitter.com/pmLm2Ka4Xm

— William Ladson (@washingnats) March 24, 2016

Also listed on the lineup card among the available pitchers are Aaron Laffey, Nick Masset, Shawn Kelley, Trevor Gott and Rafael Martin.

GAME TIME: 1:05 PM EDT. FOLLOW: Radio via MLB.com's At Bat app. Max Scherzer takes on the Cardinals at 1:05 PM EDT.