Series Preview: Washington Nationals
By Michael Jong

The Marlins are coming off a disappoiting series at Atlanta against hte Atlanta Braves, but they get a familiar foe in the form of the Washington Nationals. The story is as usual: we have traditionally owned the Nationals, and hopefully we can follow up that ownage with a series sweep.
Washington Nationals (56-75) @ Florida Marlins, August 30 – September 1, Games 130-132
NL East Standings
Stadium: Sun Life Stadium
Five-year Run PF*: 0.99
Five-year HR PF*: 0.97
Stadium Dimensions:
Left Field: 330 ft.
Left-Center: 361
Center Field: 404
Right-Center: 361
Right Field: 345
*Five-year regressed park factors provided by Patriot here
August 30: Alex Sanabia vs. Jason Marquis
August 31: Anibal Sanchez vs. Jordan Zimmerman
September 1: Chris Volstad vs. Scott Olsen
ZiPS In-Season Projections
FIP | Proj. FIP | Win% | Marlins | Date | Nationals | Win% | Proj. FIP | FIP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3.56 | — | — | Sanabia | August 30 | Marquis | .478 | 4.34 | 6.80 |
3.36 | 3.85 | .534 | Sanchez | August 31 | Zimmerman | .497 | 4.17 | 5.85 |
4.41 | 4.47 | .464 | Volstad | September 1 | Olsen | .396 | 5.15 | 4.39 |
Projected Lineup
Lineup | Player | Current wOBA | Proj. wOBA v. RHP | Proj. wOBA v. LHP |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cameron Maybin | .290 | .286 | .297 |
2 | Logan Morrison | .334 | — | — |
3 | Hanley Ramirez | .368 | .392 | .409 |
4 | Dan Uggla | .380 | .361 | .371 |
5 | Gaby Sanchez | .362 | .338 | .362 |
6 | Mike Stanton | .341 | — | — |
7 | Wes Helms | .291 | .297 | .326 |
8 | Brett Hayes | .280 | — | — |
Notes
– The Marlins swept the Nationals the last time out, and we’re hoping that sort of result can come up once more this series.
– The Fish will get a chance to face Jordan Zimmerman in his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery. Hopefully, he’s pitching well, because he is an important part of the future of the Washington Nationals.
– Speaking of the future of this franchise, I am disappointed that Nats phenom Stephen Strasburg will have to undergo Tommy John surgery. While I am a Marlins fan, I hope that Strasburg can remain the amazing pitcher he showed he was before the injury. Marlins ace Josh Johnson had some thoughts on Strasburg’s injury and his odds of recovery.
Bold Prediction: Marlins win two of three games.