If there was ever a series to point to as the turning point for a playoff run for this Nationals team, it might just be their weekend sweep of the Cincinnati Reds. The Nats were scuffling through the start of August, but handled business against the Reds to put themselves close to striking distance of a playoff spot. The second test comes this week, as the scorching hot Chicago Cubs come to Washington, vying to tighten up their division race and bury the Nats in the standings.
If Washington wants
to get closer than 5.0 games back of the last Wild Card spot, Chicago is certainly a team that would give them momentum if they can pull off a series win. The Cubbies are 7-3 in their last 10 games and sitting 19 games above .500, holding firm in the top Wild Card spot and sitting 5.0 games back of the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
Game One – Tuesday 6:45 PM EST
CHC: LHP Shota Imanaga (8-9, 3.60 ERA)
WSH: RHP Jake Irvin (2-5, 5.37 ERA)
The crafty Imanaga has been nothing but consistent since entering the MLB in 2024, and this year has been no different. Washington is catching him at a rough time as well, with the Japanese southpaw having allowed just 2 or fewer runs in every start dating back to June 24th.
Irvin has thrown twice since returning from the injured list, with 2 very different results. The Nats will hope for a similar result as his last time out, where he went 5.1 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing just 3 hits and 2 earned runs.
Game Two – Wednesday 6:45 PM EST
CHC: LHP David Peterson (6-7, 5.35 ERA)
WSH: TBA
It’s been a rough ride for Peterson this year, but, like Imanaga, the Nats are seeing him when he seems to be at his best. His first 2 starts of August were among the most productive he’s had in 2026, looking much more like the 2024 version of himself that emerged as a valuable starter for the New York Mets.
The Nats have yet to announce a starter for the middle game of the series, with one possible candidate being newly-called-up lefty Jackson Kent. In any sense, the Washington bullpen depth and effectiveness will be tested.
Game Three – Thursday 4:05 PM EST
CHC: RHP Kevin Gausman (6-10, 4.29 ERA)
WSH: RHP Cade Cavalli (2-5, 5.56 ERA)
Gausman was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the trade deadline as a proven veteran arm to fuel their playoff push, and he more than looked the part in his first start with Chicago. The 35-year-old is in the midst of his worst season since 2019 based on ERA, but he’s always a tough matchup for hitters.
Cavalli keeps on pushing through the dog days of summer, going another 6.0 strong innings against Cincinnati and finishing off his 6th quality start in a row. The Nats’ top arm is positioned to start in what could be a huge series finale to end the brief homestand.
