As the Nationals open a three-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies this afternoon at Nationals Park — and against Roy Halladay — they’ll do so with a different top of the lineup than they’ve had.
Roger Bernadina and Ian Desmond are both getting the day off with Rick Ankiel playing center and sliding into the leadoff spot and Danny Espinosa moving up to No. 2 in the lineup. Alex Cora will take Desmond’s place at shortstop and bat eighth.
Here are the full lineups behind Livan Hernandez and Halladay:
Nationals:
Rick Ankiel CF
Danny Espinosa 2B
Jayson Werth RF
Laynce Nix LF
Michael Morse 1B
Wilson Ramos C
Jerry Hairston Jr. 3B
Alex Cora SS
Livan Hernandez P
Phillies:
Jimmy Rollins SS
Placido Polanco 3B
Chase Utley 2B
Ryan Howard 1B
Raul Ibanez LF
Carlos Ruiz C
Domonic Brown RF
John Mayberry CF
Roy Halladay P
