WASHINGTON -- Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon will miss his second consecutive game Tuesday with flu-like symptoms. Manager Dusty Baker said Rendon, who was a late scratch prior to Sunday's game, was still feeling sick, but Baker hoped he would be available to pinch-hit late in the game against the Dodgers.
Daniel Murphy, who had missed the past three games with a tight left hamstring, is starting at third base in Rendon's place, and Trea Turner is getting the nod at second.
Murphy was a third baseman in the Minors, and he has plenty of experience there in his career with the Mets. However, this will be his first start at third base for the Nationals, who have used Stephen Drew as their primary backup second baseman. But Baker also hinted that another player might not be available off his bench, although he did not want to reveal who.
"That's not my lineup of choice, but that's the lineup that I have to do," Baker said.
Worth noting
• Joe Ross threw about 35 pitches during a simulated game at Nationals Park on Tuesday afternoon. Ross could begin a Minor League rehabilitation assignment as early as this weekend. Baker indicated that Ross would likely need to build up to 90 pitches, which would almost certainly take multiple outings before he returns.
• Left-hander Sammy Solís was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with right knee inflammation, although the Nationals were still awaiting the results of his MRI.