Washington Nationals vs Tampa Bay Rays Game Thread

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WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 16: Curtis Mead #45 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammate Dylan Crews #3 after hitting a home run in the seventh inning during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Nats have been playing good baseball lately, but they have a tough test this weekend. As usual, the Rays have been punching above their weight this year. They do not have a ton of power, but they make a ton of contact and have great pitching, which will be a test for the Nats.

Blake Butera has a lefty heavy lineup today due to the splits of Rays starter Griffin Jax. Jose Tena is at DH and hitting third. Jorbit Vivas is also in the lineup at third, meaning former Ray Curtis Mead is not in the lineup. The only true righty in the lineup is Jacob Young, who is hitting 9th. Cade Cavalli was a late scratch, so PJ Poulin will open and Miles Mikolas, who is on normal rest, will follow.

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The Rays have three big power bats in the lineup. Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Diaz are the big threats in this lineup. Outside of that, there are plenty of high contact bats like Chandler Simpson. For most of his career, Griffin Jax has been a reliever. However, in late April, the Rays converted him into a starter, and he has been solid. Jax has filthy stuff, and we will see it tonight.

Game Info:

Stadium: Tropicana Field

Time: 7:10 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

The Nats have been a series winning machine lately, but this will be a tough one. Cavalli being scratched only makes it tougher, though the off day makes it easier to stomach. Hopefully the Nats can start strong this Fathers Day weekend. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!

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