Lineup, Notes

LHP Erik Bedard (2-4, 2.57 ERA) takes on the Nat's LHP Gio Gonzalez (4-1, 1.94). Both are in the NL's top ten in K's - Bedard averages 9.5 whiffs per game, while Gonzalez fans nearly 11. The game starts at 7:05 PM and will be shown on Root Sports.

Lineup: Jose Tabata RF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Casey McGehee 1B, Yamaico Navarro LF, Rod Barajas C, Clint Barmes SS, Josh Harrison 3B, Erik Bedard P.

Pedro is getting the night off against the lefty Gonzalez; one of the top strikeout guys in the league. Presley also is on the pine as the Navarro/Harrison tag team enters the ring.

• A couple of guys should have fond memories here. Outfielder Jose Tabata made his MLB debut at Nationals Park two years ago on June 9, 2010, the same night that Brad Lincoln started and made his debut. 
• According to David Manel at High And Outside Baseball, Bucco runners are thrown out on the basepaths at a 6% rate. The Dodgers, Pirates and Cubs lead the NL at that rate; league average is more like 4-1/2%.
• RHP Tim Alderson made his first start at Altoona since 2010 and won 7-3. It was a so-so line (five  innings, three runs) but his velocity stayed steady at 91-92 through 84 pitches, so it's something to build on. It also broke a six-game losing streak for the Curve.