Today is the last day to see the 2023 Nationals play at home. So why not maximize that opportunity and take in two games instead of one? Yes, thanks to Saturday’s rainout, we’ve got a Sunday day-night doubleheader against the Braves. The nightcap, which is the makeup for the rained-out game, is set for 6:35 p.m. But up first, we’ve got the originally scheduled 1:35 p.m. game.
It’ll be Jackson Rutledge making the start this afternoon, his third in the big leagues and his biggest test to date. The rookie right-hander was shaky against the Pirates but confident and effective against the White Sox. How will he fare against the best lineup in baseball?
The Braves haven’t announced who is starting which game yet, but Kyle Wright was supposed to be on the mound Saturday, with Spencer Strider pitching today. Strider leads the league in wins (18) and strikeouts (270). Wright is 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA.
Whoever they face, the Nationals will need to do a better job in clutch situations. Even though they scored six runs in Friday night’s loss, they went a measly 1-for-16 with runners in scoring position, costing themselves a chance at the win.
Update: Right-hander Allan Winans starts for the Braves. He last pitched in a Sept. 10 start against the Pirates, going 6 1/3 innings while striking out eight and allowing six hits. He has not yet faced anyone on the Nats' current roster in a big league game.