The Nationals continue to stay hot as the calendar flips to June, having just finished a month where they went 6-2-1 in their 9 series’. Holding 2nd place in the National League East, this month offers Washington a chance to maintain their place in contention and potentially force the front office’s hand and buy before the late July trade deadline. As they look to keep fighting for a playoff spot, they have a chance for revenge against the 26-34 Miami Marlins, who took a 3-game series against them
in early May.
It’s certainly a good time for the Nats to face Miami, who enters the series on a 5-game losing streak, capped off by getting swept by the New York Mets. The Marlins have had their stretches, but remain entrenched in mediocrity at the bottom of the division, However, two of their best arms are set to throw this series, giving Washington a legitimate test.
Game 1 – Monday 6:45 PM EST
WSH: RHP Cade Cavalli (3-3, 3.62 ERA)
MIA: RHP Sandy Alcantara (3-4, 4.66 ERA)
Cavalli hasn’t been a worldbeater this season, but he’s steadied out as of late and has continued to be a reliable option in the rotation. His most recent outing, 6.0 innings of 1-run ball with 7 strikeouts against the Cleveland Guardians, again showed that the 25-year-old has an arsenal capabale of handling MLB lineups on a consistent basis. He’s done fine job of preventing opponents from putting together crooked innings, and he looks to continue that trend on Monday.
May was a month to forget for Alcantara, giving up 6 runs or more in 3 of his 5 appearances, including getting ripped by Toronto for a season high 8 runs on May 26th. He’s striking guys out at a lower rate than usual, and his offspeed pitches have been getting torched on the regular. The Nats’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, easily swinging this game in their favor.
Game 2 – Tuesday 6:45 PM EST
WSH: RHP Miles Mikolas (1-4, 5.72 ERA)
MIA: TBD
This has certainly been an interesting narrative shift for Mikolas, who has seen much improved results since the beginning of May. He’s bounced between starting and entering after an opener, but what hasn’t changed is how impressive he’s been across the last calendar month. His abysmal 8.46 ERA in April was flipped on its head in May, and he takes on Miami after posting just a 2.74 ERA over his last 5 times through the rotation.
No pitcher has been announced yet for Miami, as they continue to work through a handful of injuries and roster moves within the rotation.
Game 3 – Wednesday 1:05 PM EST
WSH: LHP Andrew Alvarez (1-0, 4.02 ERA)
MIA: RHP Max Meyer (5-0, 2.97)
The 26-year-old’s 6th appearance in 2026 is set to be his 1st start. San Diego gave him troubles the last time he toed the rubber, and needs to attack hitters instead of restricting himself to the corners. In what’s set up to be a bullpen game for Washington, they look to Alvarez to take care of the top of the Marlins’ lineup in the series finale.
The clear alpha of the Miami staff, Meyer has finally broken out into the pitcher they envisioned when selecting him 3rd overall in 2020. His 5-pitch mix has kept hitters at bay, and his secondaries continue to generate some of the best results across the league. Winning at least one of the first two games will be crucial for the Nats, with Game 3 looking like their weakest matchup on paper.
