The Washington Nationals are on a four game losing streak, have not rediscovered their bats and their bullpen has been anything but a relief. Going into Saturday night's game against the Cincinnati Reds, manager Davey Johnson decided to change things up a bit with the line-up to hopefully spark some fire.
Most noticeably will be the insertion of Chris Marrero into the first base position and seventh place in the line-up. Marrero, batting .300 with 30 doubles, 14 home runs, 69 RBI and 59 runs scored in 127 contests this season with the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, was called up Saturday and will make his Major League debut. This pushes Michael Morse back into the left fielder position in outfield and keeps two potential potent bats in the line-up. Shortstop Ian Desmond will continue to lead off, but hitting behind him will be Jayson Werth who will be playing center field. The dangerous bats of Ryan Zimmerman, Danny Espinosa, Laynce Nix and Wilson Ramos are all threats and should keep Cincinnati pitcher Mike Leake (10-8, 4.09 ERA) on his toes.
The Reds will have to contend with young Nationals southpaw Ross Detwiler (2-3, 2.61 ERA) who stifled the Reds his last start last week.
First pitch is 7:10 P.M. EST.
Nationals Line-Up
Ian Desmond - SS
Jayson Werth - CF
Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
Michael Morse - LF
Danny Espinosa - 2B
Laynce Nix - RF
Chris Marrero - 1B
Wilson Ramos - C
Ross Detwiler - SP