Game 1 lineups: Nats vs. Mets

The wait is over. And for the first time in a long time, we aren't talking about the wait for Bryce Harper to sign with somebody. No, we're talking about the Nationals' long, six-month wait to get back on the field after a disappointing 2018 season. It finally happens today in the opener of what might just be the most compelling division race we've ever seen around here.

And it starts right off with a showdown between two of the four teams that come into opening day believing they can win the National League East. (The other two just so happen to be playing later today in Philadelphia, where Harper makes his Phillies debut against the pitcher he owns more than any other in baseball: Atlanta's Julio Teheran.)

This, however, is the marquee matchup of the day. It's Max Scherzer, the three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2018 runner-up vs. Jacob deGrom, the 2018 Cy Young Award winner and newly signed $137.5 million man. It doesn't get much better than that.

The Nationals lineup bears only slight resemblance to last year's version. In fact, only five of the nine players starting today were in the opening day lineup last season in Cincinnati: Adam Eaton, Anthony Rendon, Ryan Zimmerman, Trea Turner and Scherzer. And of those, only Eaton is batting in the same spot in the lineup.

Suffice it to say, this is a different Nats team in 2019. And we'll be here all the way to chronicle every step of what should be a fascinating baseball season. So sit back and enjoy the ride ...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. NEW YORK METS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m.
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, MLB.com
Weather: Sunny, 56 degrees, wind 10 mph out to left field

NATIONALS
RF Adam Eaton
SS Trea Turner
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Juan Soto
1B Ryan Zimmerman
C Yan Gomes
2B Brian Dozier
RHP Max Scherzer
CF Victor Robles

METS
LF Brandon Nimmo
1B Pete Alonso
2B Robinson Canó
RF Michael Conforto
C Wilson Ramos
3B Jeff McNeil
SS Amed Rosario
CF Juan Lagares
RHP Jacob deGrom