Denard Span Out of Nationals’ Lineup, But Just to Rest

Eury Perez will get the start in center field tonight as Denard Span takes a night off to rest. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

And with that, none of the Nationals’ three Opening Day outfielders will be taking the field in the bottom of the first tonight. But don’t worry, this time it’s nothing serious.

On a night where Jayson Werth is on the disabled list and Bryce Harper is resting after slamming into the right field wall last night, Denard Span is now officially out of tonight’s lineup as well, because manager Davey Johnson is giving him a night off. The starting outfield will now consist of Steve Lombardozzi in left, Tyler Moore in right, and Eury Perez in center field filling in for Span.

Perez played an exceptional center field for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, so his defensive prowess shouldn’t be a concern. However, the Nationals will miss Span’s ability to get on base at the top of the lineup. The Nationals face the Dodgers in Game 2 of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium tonight, looking to clinch a series win after defeating Los Angeles 6-2 last night.