CHICAGO — With steady rain falling all afternoon at Wrigley Field and more predicted for the evening, the Washington Nationals-Chicago Cubs game Monday night was postponed. It will be made up Thursday at 2:20 p.m. EDT.
Thursday was an off day for both teams. The Nationals were scheduled to remain in Chicago anyway before flying to Philadelphia in the afternoon. A day-night doubleheader on either Tuesday or Wednesday was discussed, but the decision was made to play Thursday.
“We’d probably get to Philly about the same time as we would normally,” said Nationals manager Davey Johnson. “There was some conversation about a split, but I think everybody wanted to do what we’re doing, rather than a split. I’m comfortable with Thursday.”
Both teams will keep their pitching on turn, bumping everyone back a day. Chien-Ming Wang will start Tuesday night against Chicago’s Matt Garza. Ross Detwiler will face Rodrigo Lopez on Wednesday, and Jordan Zimmermann will take the ball Thursday against Ryan Dempster.
An extra day of rest could be good for Wang, who is working back into form after missing more than two years following shoulder surgery. Wang twice had an extra day of rest during his rehab assignment, and Johnson said reports from Triple-A pitching coach Greg Booker said Wang pitched well in those starts.
“It probably won’t hurt him,” Johnson said.
This is the Nationals’ first rainout since Johnson took over as manager June 26.
• Amanda Comak can be reached at acomak@washingtontimes.com.
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