Washington Nationals Wiretap

Major League Baseball revealed its 2026 All-Star Game starting lineups Saturday, with Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani topping the fan vote and three teammates joining him in the National League's starting group.

Ohtani will serve as designated hitter for the NL, appearing alongside Freddie Freeman at first base, Max Muncy at third and Andy Pages in the outfield. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Ohtani probably won't pitch in the exhibition after they altered his workload schedule.

Additional NL starters include Juan Soto of the New York Mets, Brandon Marsh of the Philadelphia Phillies, CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals, and Atlanta Braves duo Ozzie Albies and Drake Baldwin.

American League voting leader Ernie Clement will start alongside fellow Toronto Blue Jays infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr., though Guerrero has since withdrawn from the game. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz will replace him after winning the players' vote at that position.

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers and Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez round out the AL infield and battery. Mike Trout, Aaron Judge and Byron Buxton comprise the American League's starting outfield.

This year's contest takes place July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Fans selected the starters, while a combination of league officials and current players, managers and coaches chose the reserves.

The Dodgers, Braves and Phillies each landed a league-best five All-Stars apiece. Five starters, Langeliers, Clement, Baldwin, Marsh and Pages, earned their first career selections, while Freeman and Chris Sale are making their 10th appearances.

Trout returns for his 12th All-Star nod and first since 2023, currently recovering from a hamstring injury but expected to play. MLB will feature players wearing original team uniforms this year rather than specialized event jerseys.

American League All-Stars

Starters
C: Shea Langeliers (ATH)
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)
2B: Ernie Clement (TOR)
3B: Junior Caminero (TB)
SS: Bobby Witt Jr. (KC)
OF: Mike Trout (LAA)
OF: Byron Buxton (MIN)
OF: Aaron Judge (NYY)
DH: Yordan Alvarez (HOU)

Reserves

C: Dillon Dingler (DET)
C: Adley Rutschman (BAL)
INF: Travis Bazzana (CLE)
INF: Nick Kurtz (ATH)
INF: Kevin McGonigle (DET)
INF: Ben Rice (NYY)
INF: Miguel Vargas (CWS)
OF: Randy Arozarena (SEA)
OF: Cody Bellinger (NYY)
OF: Riley Greene (DET)
DH: Yandy Díaz (TB)

Reserves

C: Dillon Dingler (DET)
C: Adley Rutschman (BAL)
INF: Travis Bazzana (CLE)
INF: Nick Kurtz (ATH)
INF: Kevin McGonigle (DET)
INF: Ben Rice (NYY)
INF: Miguel Vargas (CWS)
OF: Randy Arozarena (SEA)
OF: Cody Bellinger (NYY)
OF: Riley Greene (DET)
DH: Yandy Díaz (TB)

Starting Pitchers

RHP: Dylan Cease (TOR)
LHP: Parker Messick (CLE)
RHP: Drew Rasmussen (TB)
RHP: Joe Ryan (MIN)
RHP: Cam Schlittler (NYY)
LHP: Ranger Suarez (BOS)
RHP: Michael Wacha (KC)

Relief Pitchers

RHP: Bryan Baker (TB)
LHP: Aroldis Chapman (BOS)
LHP: Jacob Latz (TEX)
RHP: Cade Smith (CLE)
RHP: Louis Varland (TOR)

National League All-Stars

Starters
C: Drake Baldwin (ATL)
1B: Freddie Freeman (LAD)
2B: Ozzie Albies (ATL)
3B: Max Muncy (LAD)
SS: CJ Abrams (WSH)
OF: Brandon Marsh (PHI)
OF: Juan Soto (NYM)
OF: Andy Pages (LAD)
DH: Shohei Ohtani (LAD)

Reserves

C: William Contreras (MIL)
C: Hunter Goodman (COL)
INF: Luis Arraez (SF)
INF: Bryce Harper (PHI)
INF: Otto Lopez (MIA)
INF: Matt Olson (ATL)
INF: Sal Stewart (CIN)
OF: Corbin Carroll (AZ)
OF: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC)
OF: Jordan Walker (STL)
OF: James Wood (WSH)
DH: Kyle Schwarber (PHI)

Starting Pitchers

RHP: Chase Burns (CIN)
RHP: Max Meyer (MIA)
RHP: Jacob Misiorowski (MIL)
LHP: Eduardo Rodriguez (AZ)
LHP: Chris Sale (ATL)
LHP: Cristopher Sánchez (PHI)
RHP: Paul Skenes (PIT)
RHP: Logan Webb (SF)
RHP: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD)

Relief Pitchers

RHP: Jhoan Duran (PHI)
RHP: Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
RHP: Mason Miller (SD)
RHP: Dylan Cease (TOR)
LHP: Parker Messick (CLE)
RHP: Drew Rasmussen (TB)
RHP: Joe Ryan (MIN)
RHP: Cam Schlittler (NYY)
LHP: Ranger Suarez (BOS)
RHP: Michael Wacha (KC)

Relief Pitchers

RHP: Bryan Baker (TB)
LHP: Aroldis Chapman (BOS)
LHP: Jacob Latz (TEX)
RHP: Cade Smith (CLE)
RHP: Louis Varland (TOR)

Fernando Tatis Jr. finally connected for his first home run of the season -- and it was a blast.

Tatis slugged a 451-foot solo shot to left field in the fifth inning against Washington on Saturday, although the San Diego Padres went on to lose 9-4 to the Nationals. Tatis, who has five 20-homer seasons in his career and hit 42 in 2021, had not gone deep in 240 plate appearances before this game -- the longest drought in the major leagues.

He then singled in the first inning and struck out in the third before his fifth-inning drive off Foster Griffin gave San Diego a 3-1 lead.

"I just knew right away," Tatis said. "About f---ing time."

With nearly two months of the 2026 season complete, 22 players from the preseason MLB top 100 prospect list have graduated from eligibility, reshuffling the rankings ahead of what figures to be an active trade deadline season.

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jesus Made, 19, moves to the top spot after posting 90th percentile exit velocities that rank among big league averages despite playing in Double-A. His ability to control the strike zone and his defensive profile stand out, though scouts note his swing produces insufficient lift to translate his raw power into home run totals. If that changes in the second half, a significant ranking jump could follow.

Among the most notable movers is Boston Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias, who climbs from 36th to sixth after posting improved exit velocity and lift rates while maintaining contact. Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries jumps to second after his profile helped pry All-Star closer Mason Miller from Oakland. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Seth Hernandez rises from 49th to seventh after slider and fastball shape improvements unlocked his ceiling.

Notable graduates from the list include the previous top two prospects, Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle, along with Samuel Basallo, JJ Wetherholt, Bubba Chandler, Carson Benge, Andrew Painter, and Carson Williams, among others.

Seven players currently on active big league rosters remain eligible but could graduate within weeks.

Top-50 MLB Prospects

60FV
1. Jesus Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 3)
2. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (Previous: 11)
3. Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 6)
4. Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers (Previous: 8)
5. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers (Previous: 5)
6. Franklin Arias, SS, Boston Red Sox (Previous: 36)
7. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 49)
8. Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals (Previous: 41)
9. Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 16)
10. George Lombard Jr., SS, New York Yankees (Previous: 20)
11. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 23)
12. Walker Jenkins, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 9)
13. Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 14)
14. A.J. Ewing, CF, New York Mets (Previous: 28)
15. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 19)
16. Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 10)
17. Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 24)

55 FV
18. Josue De Paula, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 21)
19. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 30)
20. Ethan Salas, C, San Diego Padres (Previous: 110)
21. Ryan Waldschmidt, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 63)
22. Thomas White, LHP, Miami Marlins (Previous: 18)
23. Alfredo Duno, C, Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 29)
24. Connor Prielipp, LHP, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 54)
25. Caleb Bonemer, 3B, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 34)
26. Luis Pena, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 26)
27. Ethan Holliday, SS, Colorado Rockies (Previous: 66)
28. Liam Doyle, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 50)
29. Tyler Bremner, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 56)
30. Theo Gillen, CF, Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 92)
31. Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 33)
32. Jett Williams, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 32)
33. JoJo Parker, SS, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 52)
34. Zyhir Hope, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 40)

50 FV
35. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 53)
36. Jonah Tong, RHP, New York Mets (Previous: 31)
37. Noah Schultz, LHP, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 96)
38. Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 79)
39. Angel Genao, SS, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 80)
40. Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 42)
41. Jhonny Level, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 84)
42. Emmanuel Rodriguez, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 97)
43. Josh Hammond, SS, Kansas City Royals (Previous: 132)
44. Edward Florentino, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 78)
45. Eduardo Quintero, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 37)
46. Anthony Eyanson, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Previous: NR)
47. Eduardo Tait, C, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 38)
48. Didier Fuentes, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 88)
49. River Ryan, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 125)
50. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 60)

Wednesday’s NL East clash will be broadcast locally on BravesVision (Braves feed) and Nationals.TV (Washington feed). First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Atlanta Braves (16-8) are looking to extend their lead in the National League East this Wednesday, April 22, as they continue their road series against the Washington Nationals (11-13). Atlanta currently holds a comfortable five-game cushion atop the division, but Washington made a statement on Tuesday night by snapping the Braves' recent win streak with a dominant 11-4 victory. The Nationals hope to carry that offensive momentum into tonight’s matchup.

Atlanta’s high-powered offense is led by Matt Olson, who ranks first on the team in hits, and Dominic Smith, who enters tonight’s game on a seven-game hitting streak. Meanwhile, Ozzie Albies has recorded a hit in four straight contests. Washington will rely on their bats to repeat yesterday's success against a young Braves arm. Catch every pitch and home run live on Fubo.

The pitching matchup features a rookie right-hander against a veteran looking for a reset. The Braves turn to Didier Fuentes (0-0), who was impressive in his first start, allowing only one run over four innings. He faces Nationals righty Zack Littell (0-2), who has struggled significantly with a 7.11 ERA through his first four starts of 2026. You can witness this NL East battle streaming live on Fubo.

The defining storyline for tonight is whether Washington can capitalize on Littell's opportunity to bounce back against a team that ranks second in MLB in runs scored. For the Braves, the focus is on rookie Fuentes and his ability to navigate a Nationals lineup that proved yesterday they can erupt at any moment. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Braves vs. Nationals Betting Odds & Predictions

The Braves enter as favorites on the road. Despite their loss on Tuesday, oddsmakers are banking on the mismatch between Atlanta's elite offense and Zack Littell's early-season struggles.

Prediction: While Littell has the veteran experience, his current metrics suggest a difficult night against the Braves' middle-of-the-order. Expect Austin Riley and Matt Olson to provide plenty of run support for Fuentes. Final Score: Braves 7, Nationals 3.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the power of Austin Riley against the struggling Zack Littell. Riley is poised for a breakout performance against a pitcher who has allowed seven home runs in four starts.

*Stats over last 10 games.

Washington relies on their recently ignited offense to pressure rookie Fuentes early, aiming to keep the Braves' bullpen on their toes.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like BravesVision and Nationals.TV, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Braves or Nationals.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Braves as they seek another NL East title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Monday’s divisional series opener will be broadcast locally on BravesVsn (Braves feed) and Nationals.TV / MASN (Nationals feed). First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Atlanta Braves (15-7) head to the nation's capital this Monday, April 20, to open a four-game series against the Washington Nationals (10-12). Atlanta enters the series with one of the best records in the National League, fueled by a high-octane offense and a rotation that has remained effective despite early-season injuries. The Nationals, meanwhile, are looking to use home-field advantage to climb back toward .500 after a mixed start to April.

Atlanta’s offense is led by superstars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, who continue to anchor a lineup that punishes opposing rotations. They’ll face a stiff test in Jake Irvin, who is looking to bounce back from a rough outing. Washington counters with a youthful energy, highlighted by CJ Abrams and James Wood, both of whom have shown flashes of breakout potential early in 2026. Catch every pitch live on Fubo.

The individual matchups are headlined by the dominant form of Bryce Elder (RHP). Elder has been sensational for Atlanta, carrying a microscopic 0.77 ERA into tonight's contest. He faces a Washington lineup that has shown resilience at home but struggles with consistency against high-quality sinker-ballers. On the mound for the Nationals is Jake Irvin (RHP), who looks to stabilize his 6.16 ERA against a Braves team that ranks near the top of the league in home runs. You can witness this NL East battle streaming live on Fubo.

Atlanta’s ability to navigate their injury report remains a major storyline, as they wait for the return of Spencer Strider and Sean Murphy, both currently on rehab assignments. For Washington, the key will be supporting Irvin early; the Nationals are 2-2 in Irvin’s starts when they score at least three runs. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Braves vs. Nationals Betting Odds & Predictions

The Braves enter as favorites on the road. Between Bryce Elder’s elite early-season form and Atlanta’s superior record, oddsmakers are banking on the visitors to take the series opener.

Prediction: Bryce Elder has been nearly untouchable to start the year, and against a Nationals lineup that can be prone to groundouts, he should find plenty of success. Expect Atlanta's bats to provide ample run support against Jake Irvin. Final Score: Braves 6, Nationals 2.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the elite power of Matt Olson against the high-velocity arsenal of Jake Irvin. Olson has been a "stat-stuffer" early this season, anchoring the middle of the Atlanta order.

*Season record/stats current through April 20.

Washington relies on the speed of CJ Abrams and the raw power of James Wood to pressure opposing rotations and manufactured runs in divisional play.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like BravesVsn and MASN, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Braves or Nationals.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Braves as they aim for another NL East title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Monday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh (Pirates feed) and Nationals.TV (Nationals feed). First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Washington Nationals (7-8) head into PNC Park this Monday, April 13, riding a wave of momentum after an impressive weekend sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. Washington's offense found its spark on the road, outscoring the Brewers 18-10 over three games. However, their quest to reach the .500 mark faces its toughest test yet in the Pittsburgh Pirates (9-6), who currently sit atop the NL Central.

The Pirates are sending their phenom and defending Cy Young winner, Paul Skenes, to the mound. After a shaky Opening Day, Skenes has returned to form, allowing only two runs over his last 11-plus innings. Washington counters with Cade Cavalli, who has looked sharp in the early going with a 2.51 ERA. With the Nationals' young hitters like James Wood finding their power, this matchup promises high-velocity fireworks. Catch every strikeout live on Fubo.

The individual matchups are highlighted by the power struggle between Pittsburgh's core and Washington's rising stars. Bryan Reynolds continues to be a steady force for the Bucs, while the Nationals will lean on CJ Abrams to ignite the top of the order. With both teams featuring aggressive base-running strategies, the battle on the paths will be just as critical as the one on the rubber.

The pitching duel is a showcase of elite young talent: Skenes' triple-digit heater against Cavalli's refined arsenal. You can witness this National League clash streaming live on Fubo.

Washington’s ability to navigate Skenes' dominant slider will be the game's defining storyline. For the Pirates, jump-starting an offense that has relied heavily on late-inning heroics will be key to supporting their ace. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Nationals vs. Pirates Betting Odds & Predictions

The Pirates enter the opener as the clear favorites. Between the home-field advantage and Skenes' historical dominance at PNC Park, the moneyline reflects strong confidence in a Pittsburgh victory.

Prediction: While the Nationals are hot, facing Paul Skenes is a different animal. Expect Cavalli to keep it close early, but Pittsburgh’s rotation edge should eventually pull them through. Final Score: Pirates 4, Nationals 2.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features James Wood against Paul Skenes. Wood's massive power will be put to the ultimate test against the league's most imposing pitcher.

Pittsburgh relies on the discipline of Bryan Reynolds and the raw power of Oneil Cruz to pressure opposing rotations from the first pitch.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like SportsNet Pittsburgh, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Nationals or Pirates.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Pirates as they aim to solidify their lead in the NL Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

The slumping Milwaukee Brewers could be losing another of their top hitters for at least a little while.

Christian Yelich was pulled for a pinch hitter in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals on Sunday because of tightness in his left hamstring. The Brewers went on to an 8-6 loss for their fifth straight defeat.

"We're most likely going to get some bad news on Yelich," manager Pat Murphy said after the game.

Murphy said the 2018 NL MVP and three-time All-Star felt a "little twinge" in his hamstring and was undergoing imaging.

Major League Baseball's average salary climbed 3.4% to a record $5.34 million on Opening Day, according to an Associated Press study, with the New York Mets topping league payrolls for the fourth consecutive year at $352.2 million.

Mets outfielder Juan Soto remains the sport's highest-paid player for the second straight season at $61.9 million annually, placing him among the highest-compensated athletes across all major North American professional sports. New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger ranks second at $42.5 million, followed by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler and Mets third baseman Bo Bichette, who are tied at $42 million. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sits fifth at $40.2 million, just ahead of Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge at $40 million.

Across sports, the top of the market is converging. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott carries an average annual value of approximately $60 million in the NFL, while Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry earns $59.6 million in the NBA this season, putting all three leagues within a narrow range at the very top of the pay scale.

The broader salary picture, however, differs considerably by sport. The NBA's average salary for roster players sits just under $14 million during the 2025-26 season, driven by smaller rosters that concentrate league revenue among fewer players. The NFL average was approximately $3.2 million in 2025, reflecting the league's significantly larger rosters. MLB's $5.34 million average falls between the two, though roster sizes in baseball and football are substantially larger than in basketball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers ranked second in MLB payroll at $316.6 million, down slightly from $319.5 million last year. Their figure would rise to $395.2 million without present-value discounting applied to deferred contracts for nine players.

MLB's average salary has grown 28 percent under the current five-year collective bargaining agreement, which expires in December, an average annual increase of 5.6%. Six clubs carried payrolls above $250 million, up from four a year ago, while eight teams fell below $100 million, an increase from five.

The Detroit Tigers posted the largest year-over-year spending increase at $64.2 million, reaching $206.7 million after signing pitcher Framber Valdez and giving a significant raise to ace Tarik Skubal through arbitration. The Minnesota Twins recorded the steepest decline, slashing $46.3 million from its Opening Day payroll to settle at $96.5 million.

The Cleveland Guardians were the MLB's lowest-spending team at $62.3 million, less than one-fifth of the Mets' total outlay.

Wednesday’s series finale will be broadcast locally on Bally Sports Midwest (Cardinals feed) and MASN (Nationals feed). First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The St. Louis Cardinals (6-5) look to clinch a road series victory this Wednesday afternoon as they face the Washington Nationals (4-7) in a rubber match at Nationals Park. St. Louis bounced back yesterday with a 7-6 win, showcasing a resilient offense that has slowly started to find its rhythm behind a mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy.

Expect a focused performance from the Redbirds, led by standout Jordan Walker, who has been tearing the cover off the ball with a .925 slugging percentage in early April action. Washington, meanwhile, is hoping their young core, featuring James Wood and CJ Abrams, can ignite a home crowd and provide enough run support for a struggling rotation. Catch every inning live on Fubo.

The individual matchups are highlighted by the "Revenge Game" narrative for Nationals starter Miles Mikolas. The long-time Cardinal now finds himself facing his former club during a difficult start to his 2026 campaign. On the other side, St. Louis' Michael McGreevy looks to build on his strong start to the season and keep the Nationals' speedy hitters off the basepaths.

The pitching duel features St. Louis' Michael McGreevy (RHP), who brings a crisp 2.62 ERA into the contest, against Washington's Miles Mikolas (RHP). While Mikolas has struggled early, his familiarity with the Cardinals' hitters could make this a tactical chess match. You can witness this National League clash streaming live on Fubo.

St. Louis’ ability to capitalize on Mikolas's early-season Command issues will be the primary storyline. If Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado can find gaps early, it could be a long afternoon for the D.C. bullpen. However, if the Nationals can utilize their speed and force McGreevy into high-leverage counts, an upset is well within reach. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Cardinals vs. Nationals Betting Odds & Predictions

The Cardinals enter as slight road favorites. Despite the mixed results in the first two games, bettors are leaning toward St. Louis given the significant disparity in early-season pitching performance between the two starters.

Prediction: While Mikolas is due for a bounce-back, the Cardinals' lineup has shown too much plate discipline to ignore. Expect a mid-scoring affair where St. Louis’ bullpen eventually shuts the door. Final Score: Cardinals 6, Nationals 4.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the emerging power of Jordan Walker against the veteran experience of Miles Mikolas. Walker is currently pacing the Cardinals in almost every power category.

Washington relies on the elite athleticism of CJ Abrams and the massive potential of James Wood to disrupt opposing rotations.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like Bally Sports Midwest and MASN, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Cardinals or Nationals.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Cardinals as they aim to reclaim the NL Central crown.

Frequently Asked Questions

The MLB season brings the bright lights of Hollywood to the nation's capital this Friday, April 3, as the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Washington Nationals for their 2026 Home Opener at Nationals Park. The Dodgers (4-1) arrive as the talk of the baseball world, looking to continue their early-season dominance, while the Nationals (3-3) are eager to spoil the party in front of a passionate home crowd. 

The energy at Nationals Park will be at a fever pitch for this series premiere. Washington is looking to build on a promising start behind their young core, while the star-studded Dodgers rotation prepares to navigate the early-season grind. With high-stakes matchups across the diamond, this is a can't-miss series for any baseball purist. Catch every inning live on Fubo. 

The talent on display in this matchup is staggering. Los Angeles features the global phenomenon Shohei Ohtani and the relentless Mookie Betts, who headline a lineup designed for deep postseason runs. Washington counters with the speed and elite defense of C.J. Abrams and the rising power of Luis Garcia Jr., creating a fascinating contrast between established legends and hungry young talent.

The Dodgers are expected to send Emmet Sheehan to the mound for the opener, while the Nationals look to their staff to stifle one of the league's most expensive lineups. You can witness this inter-divisional clash streaming live on Fubo.

Washington’s ability to limit big innings will be critical, especially given the Dodgers' propensity for late-game rallies. Los Angeles will look to leverage their depth to overcome a crowded injury list as they seek to sweep this early road trip. With the District's eyes on the diamond, this Home Opener is set to be a classic. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

How to watch Dodgers vs. Nationals

Friday’s Home Opener will be broadcast locally on SportsNet LA (Dodgers feed) and Nationals.TV (Nationals feed), with national coverage available for select games in the series on MLB Network. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM ET (10:05 AM PT). Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

Dodgers vs. Nationals Betting Odds & Predictions

The Dodgers enter as favorites, reflecting their status as the preseason World Series frontrunners. However, the Nationals have historically played with high intensity during Home Openers, and the early start time often favors the home squad.

Prediction: While the Nationals will feed off the energy of the home crowd, the Dodgers' offensive firepower is simply too deep. Expect a high-scoring start with the Dodgers pulling away in the middle innings. Final Score: Dodgers 7, Nationals 4.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Impact Players

The marquee matchup features the plate discipline of Shohei Ohtani against a Washington pitching staff looking to make a statement. The series also highlights Tyler Glasnow and the much-anticipated debut of Roki Sasaki later in the weekend.

Washington leans on the electric speed of C.J. Abrams and the veteran presence of Josh Bell to manufacture runs against elite pitching.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like SportsNet LA, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Dodgers or Nationals.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Dodgers as they aim for another title in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions