Nationals top prospect set to debut

WASHINGTON — The Nationals planned to recall top prospect Lucas Giolito to make his major-league debut tonight against the Mets.

The No. 16 pick in the 2012 amateur draft, Giolito, 21, has a 3.17 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 71 innings at Double-A Harrisburg this season. The right-hander is ranked the No. 1 prospect in the Nationals' organization by Baseball America and the top prospect in all of baseball by ESPN's Keith Law.

"He's ready for the task," manager Dusty Baker said Monday.

A spot opened in Washington's rotation when RHP Stephen Strasburg was placed on the disabled list Sunday because of an upper back strain.

ELBOW AILS METS LEFTY: Mets LHP Steven Matz has a bone spur in his left elbow that could require surgery after the season. Matz is likely to miss his start Wednesday. Also, the Mets signed second-round pick Peter Alonso, a Florida Gators first baseman and former Plant High standout. Alonso received a $909,200 bonus.

FARMHAND SUFFERS FREAK INJURY: Phillies minor-league LHP Matt Imhof suffered a potentially career-threatening eye injury in a training accident late last week. Imhof, 22, who pitches for Class A Clearwater, was going through a routine stretching regimen when a piece of equipment malfunctioned and he was struck in the right eye, espn.com reported. Imhof had surgery and is likely to need further procedures.

A-ROD SITS: Yankees DH Alex Rodriguez said he was "surprised" to be out of the lineup for the second day in a row, though he admitted his numbers were "not good." Rodriguez, 40, is batting .223 with a .264 on-base percentage and a .398 slugging percentage. Also, the Yankees and StubHub ended their squabble, announcing a sponsorship agreement that sets an advertising minimum price for resale tickets.

KERSHAW SORE: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that LHP Clayton Kershaw was receiving treatment for minor back discomfort but said his ace "absolutely" would make his next scheduled start.

CARDINALS: Backup C Brayan Pena, who had left knee surgery shortly after opening day, finished a rehab assignment and is expected to come off the 15-day disabled list today.

MARLINS: RHP Jeremy Guthrie agreed to a minor-league contract and will report to Triple-A New Orleans.