The Washington Nationals will look for a big series win when they host division rival Philadelphia Phillies for a four-game series
The Washington Nationals squandered a chance at tying a franchise mark six straight road series wins after dropping Sunday's rubber match, but manager Blake Butera will look to get his squad back on track in a pivotal and extended divisional series amid a stretch of 13 games in 13 days.
Washington is set to welcome the Phillies to Nationals Park for the first time this season, but the second series between the two rivals after the Phillies took the final two meetings back on March 31 then April 1. The two teams also enter Monday separated by two games in the divisional standings with the Phillies ahead with a 41-35 overall record and 1.5 game lead from the third wild card spot.
Washington will look to take their third straight home series despite Monday marking a chance to even the home record in June following the sweep against the Miami Marlins to open the month. Washington has also won five of their last nine as they enter two games above .500, but they'll face a Phillies team that has also taken eight of their last 13 games.
CJ Abrams enters the series red hot with three home runs in consecutive games to bring his season total to 18, while he's also hit safely in five straight games. Dylan Crews would be the one to belt the team's 100th home run with the team entering Monday tied with the Atlanta Braves for the sixth-most across baseball. Since May 6, Washington has notched the second-most home runs across baseball with the 64 trailing only the Athletic's 67 in 2026.
Foster Griffin is set to open the series where the eight Phillies who have previously faced him have notched just three hits across 18 career at bats. Cristopher Sánchez's nine wins is also tied for the second most in baseball, while the Nationals' pitching staff will have to figure out how to address former National and power Phillies hitter Kyle Schwarber, whose 29 home runs continues to pace all of the MLB.
Probably Pitchers, as of Monday:
Monday, June 22: Foster Griffin (7-2, 3.32 ERA)) vs. Tim Mayza (2-1, 2.97 ERA)
Tuesday, June 23: Zack Littell (6-6, 5.45 ERA) vs. Jesus Luzardo (6-4, 4.20 ERA)
Wednesday, June 24: Miles Mikolas (2-6, 5.47 ERA) vs. Aaron Nola (3-4, 5.71 ERA)
Thursday, June 25: Cade Cavalli (4-4, 4.07 ERA) vs. Cristopher Sánchez (9-3, 1.80 ERA)
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