With the Phillies coming to town, the Nats are going to see plenty of old friends. Much of the Phillies core spent time in DC, from Bryce Harper, to Trea Turner, to their best player this season, Kyle Schwarber. We get reminded of how good we used to have it in DC.
However, Miguel Cairo cannot call upon those guys tonight. He also can’t call on DFA’d first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. Cairo can count on Dylan Crews though, who is hitting second and playing right field in his first game since May 20th. With a tough lefty on the mound, Cairo is giving CJ Abrams a day off. Josh Bell will be at first full time now. Paul DeJong will be at shortstop today and Jose Tena will be the second baseman. Riley Adams is back behind the plate and will be catching Brad Lord.
Three former Nats will kick things off for the Phillies with Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper kicking things off. With Alec Bohm out, Edmundo Sosa will start at third base. We won’t be seeing trade deadline pickup Harrison Bader tonight. However, we will see offseason trade acquisition and former Nats draft pick Jesus Luzardo on the mound.
Radio: 106.7 The Fan and DC 87.7
The Phillies have dominated the Nats in recent years and have the advantage here on paper. However, the games are played on the field. With Dylan Crews back in the fold, the Nats should have a jolt of energy heading into this series. Comment your Washington Nationals related thoughts down below!