Gaby begins suspension

Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez, who was in the middle of the benches-clearing altercation with the Nationals on Sept. 1, is beginning his three-game suspension on Friday night at Washington.

Wes Helms is getting the start at first base for Florida in its first meeting with the Nationals since the incident in Miami.

Sanchez was one of the active participants in the altercation as he knocked down Nyjer Morgan, who had charged the mound and thrown a punch at Chris Volstad.

In the seventh inning of the Sept. 1 game, Sanchez was drilled by a Doug Slaten pitch. Slaten received a three-game suspension.

By serving the suspension now, Sanchez will miss all three games at Washington.

Marlins lineup for Friday: Emilio Bonifacio (3B), Logan Morrison (LF), Hanley Ramirez (SS), Dan Uggla (2B), Wes Helms (1B), Mike Stanton (RF), Cameron Maybin (CF), Brad Davis (C), Alex Sanabia (P).

– Joe Frisaro