Washington Nationals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Game Thread

TL;DR

The Washington Nationals face the Pittsburgh Pirates in an afternoon game, aiming to bounce back after a shutout loss. Key lineup changes include Luis Garcia Jr. batting second and Foster Griffin starting on the mound.

Key points

Washington Nationals aim to recover from a shutout loss.
Luis Garcia Jr. returns to the second spot in the lineup.
Foster Griffin is starting as the pitcher for the Nationals.

Washington NationalsPittsburgh PiratesLuis Garcia Jr.Foster Griffin

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 15: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals looks on against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 15, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After the offense got shut out for the first time this season, they boys will look to bounce back and secure a split in Pittsburgh. It has been a long and mostly successful road trip, but getting this win would be a great way to close things out. The Nats are playing some early afternoon baseball on getaway day.

With a righty on the mound, the Nats are loading the lineup with lefties. Luis Garcia Jr. will be back in the 2 spot after hitting 9th last night. Jorbit Vivas will actually be the DH today as well. Jacob Young returns to center field after Joey Wiemer got the start yesterday. Drew Millas and Nasim Nunez will be at the bottom of the order. Foster Griffin will look to stay hot this afternoon.

With a lefty on the mound, the Pirates have a very different looking lineup. Ryan O’Hearn and Spencer Horowitz will not be in there. Billy Cook and Jake Mangum will be getting starts this afternoon. Nick Yorke will be at first base in this one. With a lefty on the bump, Brandon Lowe will be lower in the lineup. Braxton Ashcraft is one of the most underrated arms in the league, and he will face the Nats today.