Florida @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( May 8, 2010 ) Florida 4, Washington 5

Don’t be fooled by the batting average. Willie Harris is valuable to the Washington Nationals in so many ways.

Harris was hitting just .192 heading into today’s series finale against the Florida Marlins, but there’s a good chance he’ll show up on the field in some role as Washington faces Florida starter Anibal Sanchez (1-2).

Harris has played in 26 of 30 games and has contributed on offense and defense. He hit a big two-run homer in Saturday’s 5-4 victory over the Marlins.

But Harris also played right field and left field in the game. He can fill in at second base and third base and gives manager Jim Riggleman a good pinch hitter and pinch runner – roles he has filled throughout his career.

Harris scored the run that gave the White Sox a 1-0 victory over Houston in Game 4 of the 2005 World Series – clinching Chicago’s sweep. That came after Harris got a pinch-hit single to start the eighth inning off Brad Lidge.

A young team like the Nationals, who have some holes to fill, need the versatility that Harris provides. Plus, Riggleman isn’t shy about moving players around.

For the Marlins, rookie Bryan Peterson is trying to figure out what his role is going to be. He is scheduled to be making his first start in the outfield in today’s game.

The Marlins called up Peterson, a fourth-round pick in the 2007 draft, this week to try and give their offense some punch. The left-handed hitter will try to solve Washington starter Livan Hernandez (4-1).

He came on as a pinch hitter in both Friday and Saturday’s game. Peterson stayed in the game in left field Saturday and went 0-for-2. However, a lefty pinch hitter is valuable for any manager, and the Marlins will probably continue to utilize him in that role.

It seems clear that the Marlins are looking for a way to get Peterson’s bat into the lineup in some form.

Peterson gained some attention after a very strong performance in spring training. He got off to a good start in his first appearance Friday with his pinch-hit single in his first major league at-bat sparking a late rally in the 4-2 victory.

So he’s trying to do with Florida what Harris does with Washington – make himself too valuable to keep on the bench.