Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker said Saturday that Max Scherzer will pitch the team’s opener in Atlanta on Monday. Stephen Strasburg is aligned to pitch the second game of the season on Wednesday night against the Braves.
Baker had anticipated previously that left-hander Gio Gonzalez would slot between Scherzer and Strasburg. With an off day between the opener and second game, plus an off day Friday, the Nationals are still figuring out who will pitch the home opener on Thursday after moving Strasburg into the Atlanta series to keep him on his regular schedule.
Gonzalez and Joe Ross will be part of the bullpen in Atlanta. Depending on if they are used in relief — an unlikely scenario — will influence who pitches the 4:05 p.m. home opener on Thursday versus the Miami Marlins. Baker said the pitching order can change as the team moves into the season.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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