While the Stephen Strasbuurg negotiations finally heat up this weekend, the Nationals are in Cincinnati tonight for the start of a four-game series with the Reds. Lineups are listed below as Alberto Gonzalez gets back in at second base. Otherwise, standard issue applies. Collin Balester makes his fifth start of the year for Washington. He is 1-1 with a 5.21 ERA and struggled last time out – 4 2/3 innings of five-run ball vs. Arizona. He has walked just four batters since his recall so that’s a positive. Long hitting streaks for Cristian Guzman (17) and Ryan Zimmerman (15) are on the line. Zimmerman was asked about his most recent streak late last week at Nationals Park and immediately shut his mouth and shook his head. No dice. After his 30-gamer earlier this season he wanted no part of questions about another long streak.
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CF – N. Morgan
SS – C. Guzman
3B – R. Zimmerman
1B – A. Dunn
LF – J. Willingham
RF – E. Dukes
C – J. Bard
2B – A. Gonzalez
P – C. Balester
Reds
CF – C. Dickerson
SS – A. Gonzalez
1B – J. Votto
2B – B. Phillips
LF – L. Nix
RF – J. Gomes
3B – A. Rosales
C – R. Hanigan
P – B. Arroyo
