WASHINGTON -- The Nationals will have to wait another day for Opening Day, after impending inclement weather postponed the season opener against the Reds until Friday at 4:10 p.m. ET at Great American Ball Park.
The forecast had called for rain all week in Cincinnati, and it had yet to clear up before the Reds made the decision to postpone the game on Wednesday afternoon. An off-day was scheduled for Friday for this very reason. All Opening Day festivities scheduled for Thursday will take place at the same scheduled times on Friday.
Fans will have to wait 24 hours for the Nationals to begin their quest for a third consecutive National League East division title with the hopes of turning this season into so much more. Ryan Zimmerman is expected to be in the lineup at first base on Friday for Washington after his unusual Spring Training. Bryce Harper will look to continue his streak of hitting a home run on Opening Day.
The Nats will still start right-hander Max Scherzer, coming off back-to-back National League Cy Young Awards, against the Reds' Homer Bailey.