Nationals Make Key Change to World Series Game 3 Lineup Against Zack Greinke
By Parker White
The Washington Nationals are in their home park tonight for Game 3 of the World Series against the Houston Astros, and even though they don't have the chance to be intimidated by a set of spectacular October numbers this time around, former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke is still the kind of pitcher you have to game plan for.
To combat that, Nats manager Davey Martinez made a noticeable change to the batting order.
Very interesting decision here by Dave Martinez. He starts Asdrúbal Cabrera at second over Howie Kendrick:
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) October 25, 2019
Trea Turner SS
Adam Eaton RF
Anthony Rendon 3B
Juan Soto LF
Asdrúbal Cabrera 2B
Ryan Zimmerman 1B
Kurt Suzuki C
Victor Robles CF
Aníbal Sánchez P
Everything looks largely the same, except that NLCS MVP Howie Kendrick is not in the starting lineup. Veteran infielder Asdrubal Cabrera will start at second base and bat fifth, and Ryan Zimmerman will get the start at first base and bat sixth.
Cabrera has good numbers vs Greinke, imagine that’s behind the lineup change. Would also imagine Kendrick will pinch-hit in a big spot.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) October 25, 2019
With no DH in the National League, Martinez had to decide whether to start Cabrera or Kendrick at second. He went with Cabrera, who in his career against Greinke is 16-for-37 (.432) with four extra-base hits and three RBI.
Of course, this gives Washington a huge bat off the bench late in the game, which could prove to be vitally important.
Washington will give the ball to veteran right-hander Anibal Sanchez for Game 3 against Greinke and the Astros looking to continue to buck the odds and taker a 3-0 advantage.