The struggling Washington Nationals (17-24) take on a the rapidly improving Atlanta Braves (19-21)
Washington is coming off one of their worst series all season, getting swept by the St. Louis Cardinals. At 17-24, they are currently sitting in fourth place in the National League East and have fans wondering what the future holds. A team with great young talent in MacKenzie Gore, CJ Abrams, and James Wood is a fun team poised for future success. Going up against a tough Atlanta Braves team will be a challenge, as Atlanta is starting to figure things out offensively.
Atlanta is coming off a series loss against the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. Since their horrendous start to the season, the offense and pitching is starting to click with key players returning from injury.
This is a big matchup for the National League East standings, and a good series from either team will push them closer to fighting for a division title.
Jake Irvin has been a pleasant surprise for the Washington Nationals, finding a spot in a rotation with more question marks than answers. Irvin this season holds a career-high 3.94 ERA. He produced a solid start last time on the mound, giving up four hits and two earned runs in a victory against the Cleveland Guardians.
If you are a Washington Nationals fan, you have to love seeing the top half of the lineup for today’s matchup. The future of the Washington Nationals, led by CJ Abrams and James Wood, have showcased their true potential all season. Dylan Crews and Josh Bell have struggled all season long and some are questioning if they should still be in the everyday lineup.
FORTY TWO. pic.twitter.com/axhjvMkngL
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 12, 2025
Grant Holmes has been underwhelming compared to what he showed last year as a starter. Posting a sub-4.00 ERA last season, fans expected a quiet breakout in his first full year starting. Holmes currently holds a 4.58 ERA and allowed four runs in his last outing, resulting in an Atlanta loss.
Red-hot Alex Verdugo has been a great replacement so far for an injury-riddled outfield and is in the lead off spot for a reason. A star studded lineup headlined by Austin Riley and Marcell Ozuna have carried the Atlanta offense this season, while stars like Matt Olsen, Sean Murphy, and Ozzie Albies have struggled at the plate all season. Against a struggling Washington pitching staff, this could be the series Atlanta fully figures out their offensive woes.
New series on deck #BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/TQJKQu613d
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 12, 2025
GAME INFO
Stadium: Truist Park
Time: 7:15 EDT
TV: MASN
Radio: The Team 980 AM and DC 87.7
Washington fans have been put through tough times early in the season. From fans celebrating the incredible young talent to despising the team as a whole, wondering what is in store. This series means more than just a regular divisional matchup. At this point in the season, this is where teams figure out their identity, which Washington has yet to find.