Steve Lombardozzi gets the start in left field for the Washington Nationals on Monday night as they open a three-game set against the rival Philadelphia Phillies. The 23-year-old switch hitter will also bat in the leadoff spot as manager Davey Johnson looks to challenge opposing starter Kyle Kendrick with an additional left-handed hitter in the lineup.
This marks only the fourth appearance this season for Lombardozzi in the outfield and third time on top of the batting order. In 10 plate appearances as a leadoff batter this season, he has four hits. He owns a .933 OPS against southpaws when hitting as a lefty this season.
Three of the four hitters at the top of the batting order hit from the left side of the plate.
Monday's game will be the first time all season that Ryan Zimmerman has faced the Phillies. He missed the last series with a shoulder injury. Washington's third baseman has an .841 OPS in his career against Philadelphia. He has a 1.448 OPS with two home runs in 26 career plate appearances versus Kendrick.
The Nationals lineup for Monday's game looks like this:
LF Steve Lombardozzi
RF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
C Jesus Flores
LHP Gio Gonzalez
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