We're in Viera today, where the Nationals have a home opener of sorts against the Mets this afternoon. John Lannan will pitch two innings, followed by Shawn Estes, Aaron Thompson, Tyler Walker and Atahualpa Severino.
Here is the lineup for today's game:
Morgan - 8
Guzman - DH
Zimmerman - 5
Dunn - 3
Morse - 9
Harris - 7
Nieves - 2
Gonzalez - 6
Bruntlett - 4
And a couple notes:
- Jesus Flores is playing catch from 90 to 120 feet, but still isn't ready to take batting practice, and hasn't been given any timeframe of when he'll be able to do more than what he's doing now. At this point, there's little doubt Flores opens the season on the disabled list.
- Matt Chico, who hasn't pitched in the majors since the 2008 season after having Tommy John surgery, will get two innings against the Mets tomorrow.
"I'm very anxious to see him," manager Jim Riggleman said. "I didn't see him last year. I didn't see him in his rookie year when other people said he did such a good job. He's really earned it, and he's really worked hard to get back to this point. He's just a real pro. I really admire this guy. He walks around, doesn't say much -- just a very respectful guy to the other players. He really paid his dues to get back here." The feature I wrote last week on Chico's return is here
