WASHINGTON (AP) - Rain continues to be the only winner at Nationals Park.
The series opener between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals scheduled for Friday night was washed out and a split doubleheader is planned for Saturday, with the games starting at 2:05 p.m. and 8:05 p.m.
But more rain is in the forecast.
The Nationals haven’t played a full game since last Sunday. Their home game against the New York Yankees on Tuesday night was suspended because of rain in the sixth inning, and the teams were washed out Wednesday.
“The one day off is nice,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said before Friday’s game was postponed a couple of hours before it was supposed to begin. “But now it’s getting a little bit to where we want to play, but the weather’s not cooperating, so that’s out of our hands.”
Washington ace Max Scherzer (7-1, 1.69 ERA) was slated to pitch Friday night and will now start Saturday night’s game against left-hander Rich Hill (1-2, 6.20).
Scherzer hasn’t pitched since May 11 when he won at Arizona. He’s itching to go, as Martinez noted when he was asked if he considered withholding Scherzer if it looked like Friday’s game might start and then be delayed.
“You want to tell Max that?” Martinez said. “He’s already been in my office like four times. According to him, he’ll pitch five innings and if it rains, we’ll be all good. It’s his day and he’s ready.”
Los Angeles righty Ross Stripling (0-1, 2.20), Friday’s scheduled starter, will go in the day game against Washington right-hander Tanner Roark (2-3, 3.33).
With rain in the forecast for Saturday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the teams will likely play a doubleheader Sunday if one or both of Saturday’s games is washed out.
“Pretty confident,” Roberts said about Saturday’s twinbill. “Whether we have to delay a little bit the first game and make a long day even longer potentially. I think we’re confident we’ll get all three in this weekend.”
The teams have discussed a mutual June 4 off day as a potential makeup date if needed.
Los Angeles, which had lost six straight games before Thursday’s win at Miami, made a move to bolster their bullpen Friday, claiming right-hander Erik Goeddel off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
The 29-year-old Goeddel was 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in five games with Seattle.
“I know he’s a former Bruin. He’s pitched well,” Roberts said of the former UCLA pitcher. “I don’t know a whole lot about him. . I just kind of learned this. I’m going to dig in on him.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Dodgers: Roberts said LHP Tony Cingrani (left shoulder inflammation) will return from the 10-day DL Saturday.
Nationals: Daniel Murphy (right knee surgery) has been ill since returning to Florida this week but could begin playing in minor league games Saturday or Sunday. . Martinez said there is no timetable for the return of C Matt Wieters (left hamstring surgery). “He’s going to get back here and meet with the doctor,” Martinez said. “We don’t know how long it’s going to take. I’m sure he’s going to be down for a while.”
UP NEXT
Dodgers: Ross Stripling (0-1, 2.20) is 0-1 in two career games against Washington with a 21.60 ERA.
Nationals: Tanner Roark (2-3, 3.33) is 0-1 with a 3.48 ERA in three games - one start - vs. the Dodgers in his career.
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