Lineups vs. the Mets

Stephen Strasburg returns to the mound today for his sixth Major League start. It will be his last outing before the All-Star Game roster is announced, and while his record stands at 2-2, the Nationals have scored just one run in his last three starts. Even if you’re not convinced Strasburg’s limited time in the Majors merits him a spot in the All-Star Game, perhaps you are convinced that his brilliant Major League debut merits him an ESPY award for “Breakthrough Athlete.” Click here to vote for the ESPY’s.

Mets (45-35):

1.    Angel Pagan – CF

2.    Alex Cora – 2B

3.    David Wright – 3B

4.    Ike Davis – 1B

5.    Jason Bay – LF

6.    Josh Thole – C

7.    Jeff Francoeur – RF

8.    Ruben Tejada – SS

9.    R.A. Dickey – SP (6-1, 2.98 ERA)

* New York has committed just one error in its last 13 games.

* The Mets drove in four of their five runs in a 5-3 victory last night with two outs.

 Nationals (35-46):

1.      Nyjer Morgan – CF

2.      Willie Harris - RF

3.      Ryan Zimmerman – 3B

4.      Adam Dunn – 1B

5.      Josh Willingham – LF

6.      Ivan Rodriguez – C

7.      Adam Kennedy – 2B

8.      Ian Desmond – SS

9.      Stephen Strasburg – SP (2-2, 2.27 ERA)

* Coincidence or not, the Nationals’ 2.53 bullpen ERA since May 17–the date of Drew Storen’s recall from Triple-A Syracuse–is good enough for best in the NL and second in the Majors. Prior to Storen’s arrival, Washington’s bullpen ERA on the season was 4.18.