The Washington Nationals are set to face the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field Tuesday night, but they will have to go against a strong Braves team and try to snap a six game losing streak without popular right fielder Jayson Werth.
The Nationals are coming off an off-day on Monday, but it apparently wasn't enough to appropriately heal up Werth who is dealing with a sore left foot and sore right hand. There is no word on how long this might hinder Werth's playing time, but for now outfielder Laynce Nix will be taking over right field responsibilities. First baseman Chris Marrero will be getting his second Major League start at the first base bag Tuesday night. After a shaky debut on Saturday night he looked a lot more solid and confident during playing time in the Nationals extra innings loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.
Catcher Wilson Ramos was scheduled to catch Livan Hernandez, but has fallen under the weather. In his place will be catcher Jesus Flores.
Tuesday night's pitching battle will be between Washington's Livan Hernandez (7-12, 4.36 ERA) and Atlanta's Jair Jurrjens (13-5, 2.71 ERA).
Nationals Line-Up
Ian Desmond - SS
Rick Ankiel - CF
Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
Michael Morse - LF
Laynce Nix - RF
Danny Espinosa - 2B
Chris Marrero - 1B
Jesus Flores - C
Livan Hernandez - SP