Game 76: Nats at Rays

Cade Cavalli was scratched with an illness, so it's going to be PJ Poulin opening tonight's series opener at Tropicana Field

The Nationals arrived in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Wednesday evening with a plan for the weekend. But they’ve had to adjust that plan for tonight’s series opener against the Rays, because scheduled starter Cade Cavalli had to be scratched due to illness, the club announced earlier this afternoon.

That means PJ Poulin will actually start this game, presumably as the opener to what would turn into a bullpen game. Under that scenario, you’d think Blake Butera would lean on Brad Lord for at least three innings if possible. Though something else to keep in mind: The team now lists Saturday’s starter as “TBA,” with Andrew Alvarez still lined up for Sunday as originally planned. So perhaps Butera could actually go with Miles Mikolas as the bulk guy tonight, because the veteran right-hander would still be on normal rest thanks to Thursday’s off-day. We’ll just have to wait and see how this all plays out.

At the plate, the Nats will be facing Rays right-hander Griffin Jax, who began the season as a reliever but is now making his 10th start. Butera is going with a very left-handed-heavy lineup, one that includes José Tena as the DH and No. 3 hitter. That leaves Curtis Mead (the former Rays prospect) on the bench. Same for Dylan Crews, who also will begin the game on the bench, with Jacob Young starting in center field.

FYI: I did not make this trip to Tampa Bay, so be aware there won’t be any postgame coverage tonight or tomorrow (barring any major developments). I will, however, have a piece wrapping up the entire weekend series following Sunday’s game.

UPDATE: Butera told reporters at Tropicana Field that Cavalli is dealing with food poisoning but should be available to start tomorrow. Which means Mikolas will follow Poulin tonight.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at TAMPA BAY RAYS
Where: Tropicana Field
Gametime: 7:10 p.m. EDT
TV: Nationals TV (channel listings)
Radio: 106.7 FM
Weather: Indoors

NATIONALS
RF James Wood
1B Luis García Jr.
DH José Tena
SS CJ Abrams
C Keibert Ruiz
LF Daylen Lile
2B Nasim Nuñez
3B Jorbit Vivas
CF Jacob Young

LHP PJ Poulin

RAYS
DH Yandy Diaz
1B Jonathan Aranda
RF Jonny DeLuca
3B Junior Caminero
CF Cedric Mullins
LF Chandler Simpson
2B Richie Palacios
SS Taylor Walls
C Hunter Feduccia

RHP Griffin Jax