Detroit Tigers-Washington Nationals game rained out; Sanchez, Davis late lineup scratches

Mar 17, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Fans wait during a rain delay before a scheduled spring training exhibition game between the Detroit Tigers and the Washington Nationals at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

No luck of the Irish for the Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals on St. Patrick’s Day as heavy rain and storms washed out their scheduled Monday afternoon meeting in Lakeland.

Despite the cancellation (spring games are not made up), the Tigers made a bit of news leading up to the first pitch that never came.

Of course there was still the “who’s going to take the reins at shortstop for Jose Iglesias” topic, then there was Justin Verlander being tabbed as the Opening Day starter and finally a couple of lineup shifts prior to the game turned out not to be needed after all.

First it was Rajai Davis, who was scheduled to lead-off and play left, being scratched. Turns out it was precautionary.

Not long after that, starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez was bumped from his start.

It’s probably safe to say that Davis and Sanchez would have played had this been the regular season.

With the week Tigers’ fan have had with the Iglesias business and now these minor injury concerns, perhaps it was fitting that this game was washed out.