Washington Nationals vs Tampa Bay Rays Preview
Today's Starting Matchup
Today's starting pitching matchup features Washington Nationals's Cade Cavalli (4-4, 3.98 ERA) against Tampa Bay Rays's Griffin Jax (1-5, 3.68 ERA).
Both starters carry similar ERAs, setting the stage for a potential pitchers' duel. WHIP: Cade Cavalli 1.39, Griffin Jax 1.36.
Advanced metrics: Cade Cavalli — FIP 3.42, K% 24.3%, 74.7 IP / Griffin Jax — FIP 4.53, K% 22.3%, 44.0 IP
Team Season Comparison
2026 season record: Washington Nationals 39-36 (.520), Tampa Bay Rays 41-30 (.577).
Tampa Bay Rays holds the edge in the season standings, though Washington Nationals can't be counted out based on head-to-head matchups.
Recent form: Washington Nationals on a 1-game losing streak, Tampa Bay Rays on a 3-game losing streak.
Based on starting pitching, Tampa Bay Rays holds the edge.
Bullpen Analysis
Washington Nationals bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Andrew Alvarez 3.49 ERA, 31K in 28.1IP, Brad Lord (Setup) 2.44 ERA, 39K in 48.0IP, Cade Cavalli 3.98 ERA, 81K in 74.2IP.
Tampa Bay Rays bullpen: 13 relievers on the active roster. Key arms: Bryan Baker (Closer) 1.91 ERA, 32K in 28.1IP, Cam Booser 0.00 ERA, 10K in 7.0IP, Casey Legumina 3.45 ERA, 23K in 31.1IP.