Nats Game Night – 7:05pm vs. Cubs

Game » 136

Starters » Gio Gonzalez (17-7, 3.10 ERA) vs. Chris Volstad (2-9, 6.06 ERA)

When » Wednesday, 7:05 p.m.

Where » Nationals Park, Washington

TV » MASN HD

Radio » 106.7 The Fan FM, WFED 1500, WHFS 1580

Nationals manager Davey Johnson was a little late to his post-game press conference after Tuesday’s 11-5 win over the Chicago Cubs. He needed a little extra time to win an argument with his veteran right fielder. Jayson Werth didn’t want to sit out Wednesday’s game with the Cubs. He’s dealing with a sore calf, but feels he can play through it. But his lobbying efforts failed. He won’t play tonight with Roger Bernadina getting the start in center field instead. Rookie Bryce Harper moves to right field.

Washington already received some good news when the Cincinnati Reds, hot on their heels for the top record in the National League, lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2. That means the Nats could push their advantage over the Reds to two games with a victory over Chicago.

Johnson had no further information on reliever Sean Burnett, who is still dealing with a sore elbow. He is taking strong anti-inflammatory medication and undergoing a period of rest for a few more days at least. Johnson said ‘he guesses” Burnett is getting better, which isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement.

“If I had a say so I’d stay away from the MRI,” Johnson said jokingly. “But I think this is something he’s had before.”

Johnson said starter Chien-Ming Wang, out for most of the summer with a hip injury but added to the roster on Tuesday, threw one bullpen session already and has another scheduled for Friday. Johnson told Wang he wants to watch Friday “so I can see right where you’re at” and that “it’s conceivable” Wang could make a spot start later in September. One imagines that will only happen if and when Washington clinches the National League East or has a wild-card spot locked up and no chance to win the division. But they currently lead by 7 ½ games.

Here are today’s lineups:

Cubs

CF – Joe Mather

RF – Dave Sappelt

1B – Anthony Rizzo

LF – Alfonso Soriano

SS – Starlin Castro

C – Wellington Castillo

3B – Josh Vitters

2B – Darwin Barney

RHP – Chris Volstad

Nats

CF – Roger Bernadina

RF – Bryce Harper

3B – Ryan Zimmerman

1B – Adam LaRoche

LF – Michael Morse

SS – Ian Desmond

2B – Danny Espinosa

C – Kurt Suzuki

LHP – Gio Gonzalez

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