Joe Ross has been probably the most positive development for the Nationals so far this young season. The right-hander, who won the fifth starter's job in spring training after opting out of the 2020 campaign, has been outstanding in each of his first two outings and has yet to allow a run in 11 innings. It's everything the Nats could've hoped for and more from the 27-year-old right-hander.

Except now they actually need Ross to continue being this guy to help them survive while much of the rest of their rotation is in a state of disarray. With Stephen Strasburg on the injured list, Patrick Corbin struggling mightily and Jon Lester still building his arm back up at the alternate training site in Fredericksburg, Ross essentially has become the Nationals' No. 2 starter behind Max Scherzer. It's not fair to him to expect continued excellence, but it would sure help if he can keep this going.

Tonight, Ross gets a nice test in a rematch with the same Cardinals lineup he shut out five days ago in St. Louis. Can he stick with his sinker-slider combo and continue to enjoy success, or does he need to change something up this time around?

The Nationals also get a rematch with Jack Flaherty, whom they beat up a bit in spring training but couldn't handle six nights ago. In same game we all stressed over Strasburg's struggles, Flaherty held the Nats to one run over five innings.

Manager Davey Martinez is sticking with what has kind of become his new standard lineup: Trea Turner is leading off, in front of Juan Soto, Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber, with Victor Robles staying in the eight-spot for now.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv, MLB Network (outside D.C. market)
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Slight chance of rain, 62 degrees, wind 6 mph out to left field

NATIONALS
SS Trea Turner
RF Juan Soto
1B Josh Bell
LF Kyle Schwarber
2B Josh Harrison
3B Starlin Castro
C Yan Gomes
CF Victor Robles
RHP Joe Ross

CARDINALS
RF Tommy Edman
1B Paul Goldschmidt
3B Nolan Arenado
C Yadier Molina
CF Dylan Carlson
SS Paul DeJong
2B Matt Carpenter
LF Justin Williams
RHP Jack Flaherty