The Washington Nationals are set to wrap up their series against the Seattle Mariners tonight before taking a charter flight to Arizona. This matchup is vital as it serves as the rubber game of the series.
The Nationals will rely on their ace, MacKenzie Gore, who recently sustained a line drive to the thigh but has confirmed he is ready to pitch. Manager Dave Martinez expressed confidence in his team’s resilience, praising their ability to bounce back after a difficult game last night.
With a significant lead in yesterday’s match, the team did not utilize closer Kyle Finnegan, who has been dealing with fatigue in his arm and shoulder since last Thursday. Martinez indicated that Finnegan’s readiness to pitch is a positive development. Outfielder Jacob Young is also on the mend from a shoulder injury, and while he is eligible to come off the injured list tomorrow, he will likely play a few games with a minor league affiliate first.
On the performance front, recent statistics have revealed some challenges within the team’s defense. Paul DeJong, despite being absent for over a month, ranks as the team’s leader in Outs Above Average (OAA). In contrast, Luis Garcia Jr. and CJ Abrams have struggled defensively, combining for a -10.0 OAA, highlighting the need for improvement in defensive positioning, especially for players like Nathaniel Lowe, who has faced challenges at first base.
Offensive improvements are evident, as indicated by Martinez, who noted that the players had strong and crisp at-bats in their recent performances. The Nationals’ starters now have a combined ERA of 4.38, placing them fifth worst in Major League Baseball, while relievers have improved slightly, holding an ERA of 6.11.
The Nationals are looking to make a strong showing against the Mariners tonight, with the first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM EDT at T-Mobile Park. Fans can catch the game on MASN and various radio stations.
Today’s game represents not only another chance for strategic improvement but also a moment for the Nationals to build momentum as they head into their next series.