Steve

Lombardozzi

Mike Morse and Jayson Werth are also out of the early-game lineup. The Nationals are simply trying to get their youngsters playing time as the regular season comes to a close. Steve Lombardozzi is starting at third base.

This latest series of cuts means that Stephen Lombardozzi is all but guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster. Blanco, a non-roster invitee, had just two hits in 32 at-bats (.063) this spring. He has an out-clause in his minor league contract and Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson suspects that the Phillies could have interest.

Steve Lombardozzi is getting the start at shortstop. It’s the .300/.333/.417 hitting Desmond’s first off day of the season. He’ll likely be called to pinch hit or pinch run, and will be back in the starting lineup on Friday.

Espinosa has batted second in all 17 of his starts this season, but he’s hitting just .209 (14-for-67) and the Nationals are desperate for offense. Steve Lombardozzi will slide into the No. 2 spot Friday while filling in for the injured Ryan Zimmerman (shoulder) at third base.

Lombardozzi has never played the outfield as a professional, but Johnson is thinking of ways to get him semi-regular at-bats if he makes the Opening Day roster as a utility player. Johnson hasn’t spoken to the 22-year-old about the possibility yet, but he told reporters Tuesday that he likens him to the Rays’ Ben Zobrist. Lombardozzi is batting .333 (10-for-30) with a homer and a double so far this spring.

Zimmerman was upbeat about his status Wednesday, saying that an MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis of an acromioclavicular joint (or AC joint) issue. He may still need a stint on the disabled list, but there doesn’t appear to be any structural damage. Chad Tracy will make the start at the hot corner and bat third Wednesday, but Steve Lombardozzi and Mark DeRosa are also options to fill in.

“It looks like he’s going to need to some more rest,” said Johnson. “We’ll just have to wait and see.” We should learn more Wednesday after the results are reviewed by team doctor Wiemi Douoguih, but a stint on the disabled list is a real possibility right now. Steve Lombardozzi filled in at third base on Tuesday, but Mark DeRosa and Chad Tracy would also be in the mix if Zimmerman needs to miss an extended period of time.

Johnson also referred to the injury as a “tear,” though it’s technically the same thing as a strain. Morse continues to say that he feels fine, but he hasn’t been cleared for baseball activities yet. Steven Lombardozzi and Mark DeRosa will likely get more work in the outfield in the coming days as the Nats brace for his possible absence.

Tracy signed a minor league contract with the Nats in December after spending the 2011 campaign in Japan. He batted just .250 (17-for-68) this spring, but injuries to Michael Morse and Rick Ankiel have opened a few spots on the Washington bench. Steve Lombardozzi, Brett Carroll and Xavier Nady have also made it.

Zimmerman has been battling mild right shoulder inflammation since the weekend and remains day-to-day. Steve Lombardozzi is getting the nod at third base in Tuesday night’s series-opener against the Padres.