The Washington Nationals aim to recover from a loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates in their four-game series, implementing a unique pitching strategy. Key lineup changes include CJ Abrams moving to the fifth spot and Brady House returning as DH.
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with third base coach Victor Estevez #7 after hitting a home run in the first inning during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Monday, April 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Christopher Denver/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Nationals crashed and burned in the first game of their four game set with the Pirates. However, the great thing about four game series is it allows you to have a clunker. The Nats will look to bounce back tonight. To do so, they will roll with an unusual pitching strategy.
The Nats lineup only has a couple small changes. Brady House is back in the lineup, but he is DHāing tonight. That means Jorbit Vivas will remain at third. CJ Abrams is moving down from the 3 spot to the 5 hole. Abrams in that 5 spot just gives the lineup so much length. Drew Millas will be behind the plate. The Nats are going to use a few pitchers to try and get through the first six or seven innings. PJ Poulin will open and then a Miles Mikolas and Mitchell Parker tag team will follow him.
For a team that put up 16 runs last night, the Pirates are making quite a few changes. Struggling DH Marcell Ozuna will be back in the lineup. Nick Gonzales will also be in the lineup at the third base spot. Joey Bart will be behind the plate instead of Henry Davis. Mitch Keller is an ultra-reliable righty who is off to a good start this year, and he will get the ball in this one.
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Game Info:
Stadium: PNC Park
Time: 6:40 PM EST
TV: Nationals.TV
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
Last night was one of those games you just have to flush away. Blowouts happen in baseball, especially when you do not have a great pitching staff. Now it is time to lock back in and even this series. Follow along in the comments down below and letās go Nats.
The Nationals brought back Brady House as DH, moved CJ Abrams from the 3 spot to the 5 hole, and kept Jorbit Vivas at third base.
Mitch Keller, who has had a strong start to the season, will be the starting pitcher for the Pirates.
The Nationals lost the first game of the series, where the Pirates scored 16 runs.
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