For the third consecutive game, Maikel Franco is not in the Phillies' lineup.
J.P. Crawford will make his third straight start at third base on Thursday when the Phillies open a four-game series against the Nationals.
Crawford, whose natural position is at shortstop, is expected to make starts in the middle infield before season's end, but to this point manager Pete Mackanin has just played him at third over the Phils' worst hitter in the infield this season. Through his first two games in the majors, Crawford is 1 for 7 with three strikeouts.
Odubel Herrera returns to centerfield for the Phils following a scheduled day off on Wednesday. Herrera on Tuesday made his first start since returning from the disabled list and extended his hitting streak to 19 games.
The other notable change to the lineup is Jorge Alfaro replacing Cameron Rupp behind the plate. In 61 plate appearances across 15 games, Alfaro has hit an impressive .362/.393/.448.
Here is the Phillies' full lineup:
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Freddy Galvis, SS
3. Odubel Herrera, CF
4. Rhys Hoskins, LF
5. Nick Williams, RF
6. Tommy Joseph, 1B
7. J.P. Crawford, 3B
8. Jorge Alfaro, C
9. Aaron Nola, P
And for the Nationals:
1. Trea Turner, SS
2.Wilmer Difo, 3B
3. Daniel Murphy, 2B
4. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
5. Adam Lind, LF
6. Michael A. Taylor, CF
7. Matt Wieters, C
8. Alejandro De Aza, RF
9. Tanner Roark, P
