Game 79 lineups: Nats vs. Dodgers

Good afternoon from Nationals Park, which just experienced a minor hurricane a few minutes ago. Seriously, it was intense. The skies have let up since then, and at this moment the forecast suggests it will be dry until about 8 p.m. That, of course, doesn't guarantee anything. So don't assume anything. As always, when we know something about the status of the game, we'll let you know.

If they play, the Nationals will be looking to stay red hot against a particularly difficult opponent: the Dodgers. Though the Giants still lead the National League West by 1 1/2 games, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone at this point who doesn't fear the defending champs more. So it'll be a stiff test tonight (or maybe tomorrow) for Patrick Corbin, facing the L.A. lineup.

Corbin just wrapped up a solid June, going 2-1 with a 3.20 ERA over his last four starts. He was, however, roughed up by the Dodgers back in early April, giving up six runs in 4 1/3 innings. Though keep in mind that was his delayed season debut, fresh off the COVID-19 injured list.

RIght-hander Tony Gonsolin was slated to start for the Dodgers, but he has been scratched. Instead, lefty Victor González will start, function as an opener with Gonsolin expected to pitch in relief.

As for the Nationals lineup, manager Davey Martinez was still waiting to find out how Trea Turner (finger), Juan Soto (hamstring) and Jordy Mercer (quadriceps) were feeling before penciling anyone's name in. Soto is in the lineup, but Mercer and Turner are not, with Alex Avila making first career appearance at second base.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Storms, 77 degrees, wind 7 mph out to center field

NATIONALS
LF Kyle Schwarber
3B Josh Harrison
RF Juan Soto
1B Josh Bell
C Yan Gomes
SS Starlin Castro
2B Alex Avila
CF Victor Robles
LHP Patrick Corbin

DODGERS
RF Mookie Betts
SS Chris Taylor
3B Justin Turner
2B Max Muncy
1B Albert Pujols
CF Cody Bellinger
C Will Smith
LF AJ Pollock
LHP Victor González