It’s already been do-or-die time for the Nationals as their chances of a playoff berth begin to slip away, but this series against the Texas Rangers might be their final chance to ignite a late push. Washington is 5-10 in the month of August, and, coming off a 3-game sweep at the hands of the New York Mets, find themselves 6 games below .500 and 7.0 games back of a playoff spot. If there’s any chance that this team could see a playoff game, they need to swing the momentum immediately.
Their opponent,
the Rangers, are clinging to the last Wild Card spot at just a 61-64 record. They’re also just 2.0 games behind the Houston Astros for the top spot in the American League West, and this series could be a big one for them to instill themselves further in the playoff picture.
Game One – Tuesday 8:05 PM ET
WSH: LHP Jackson Kent (0-0, 6.75 ERA)
TEX: RHP Cal Quantrill (4-4, 3.44 ERA)
Kent showed a lot in his first start at the MLB level, with plenty of good and bad to go around. He racked up 6 strikeouts in 4.0 innings, but walked 5 and gave up 3 earned runs. The 23-year-old will have his chance to make an argument for his future on the MLB club in the next few weeks, and it starts with a good outing in the series opener.
Talk about a resurgence for the veteran righty, who has dropped his ERA by almost 3 full points from 2025 to 2026. Quantrill spent much of the season’s early stages in the bullpen, but has proven himself enough to be rewarded with an extended opportunity in the starting rotation.
Game Two – Wednesday 8:05 PM ET
WSH: RHP Cade Cavalli (10-5, 3.36 ERA)
TEX: TBA
Cavalli keeps on keeping on, and his last start, 8.0 scoreless innings with just 1 hit allowed and 10 punchouts, was the best he’s looked all year. He’s proving to be unfazed so far by any durability concerns, and the Nats’ best starter will have a chance to push for his 11th win of the season on Wednesday.
If the Nats can take the first game of the series, this middle game is where they have the best advantage on paper. With no listed starter and a bullpen game likely, Texas could be short on arms if they’re beaten around in Game 1.
Game Three – Thursday 8:05 PM ET
WSH: LHP Andrew Alvarez (2-4, 3.72 ERA)
TEX: TBA
August has been another good month for the southpaw in his growing resume, with a 2.60 ERA across 3 starts so far. He’s found success working deeper into games as well, a trend that, if he can continue it, bodes well for his case to remain in the rotation in 2027 and beyond.
Texas continues to have question marks surrounding who will take the mound for them this series, and the finale is once again currently listed without a probable starting pitcher.
