WASHINGTON — John Maine makes his first start since coming off the DL when he takes on the Nationals here tonight in the second game of a three-game series. Maine had been sidelined the past two weeks by soreness in his right rotator cuff. He has won just one of his past five starts, getting three no-decisions in that span, but is 2-0 with a 2.13 in two starts against the Nationals this season.
As for the lineup, Jerry Manuel is giving Argenis Reyes the start at second base even though Reyes’ batting average has dipped to .228. Impressive rookie Daniel Murphy also is getting a nod in left.
Here is the overall rundown for the 63-56 Mets, who begin the night just one game behind the Phillies in the NL East standings:
Jose Reyes SS
Argenis Reyes 2B
David Wright 3B
Carlos Delgado 1B
Carlos Beltran CF
David Murphy LF
Fernando Tatis RF
Brian Schneider C
John Maine RHP (9-7, 4.13)
The 44-76 Nationals, losers of five in a row, will go with this lineup:
Emilio Bonifacio 2B
Cristian Guzman SS
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Austin Kearns RF
Lastings Milledge CF
Jesus Flores C
Ronnie Belliard 1B
Willie Harris LF
Jason Bergmann RHP (2-8, 4.13)