Good Morning, Washington Nationals fans.
Here are your Washington Nationals Morning headlines, news, analysis, and more for Friday, June 12, 2026.
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📅 NEXT AT BAT
Tonight: vs. Mariners, 6:45 PM ET — Can Washington bounce back after their loss to the Giants?
Saturday: vs. Mariners, 4:05 PM ET — Can Cavalli lead the team to a win after the Nats lost in his last two starts?
Sunday: vs. Mariners, 1:35 PM ET — Can the Nats close out the series with a win?
SEATTLE MARINERS SERIES PREVIEW
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
After two straight series wins on the road, Washington returns home to face the Seattle Mariners, who sit atop the AL West. The Mariners have a strong bullpen with the fifth-best ERA, fourth-best WHIP, and the third-most quality starts in the MLB. The Nationals do a great job of batting in the first inning and need to start hot in these games if they want to win.
📊 THE BOX SCORE
Washington Pitchers:
-Zach Littell is the starter for Game 1, with a 4.76 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP through 64.1 innings pitched.
-Cade Cavalli is the starter for Game 2, with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP through 69.2 innings pitched.
-Miles Mikolas is the starter for Game 3, with a 5.9 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP through 61 innings pitched.
Seattle Pitchers:
- Bryce Miller is the starter for Game 1, with a 1.33 ERA and a .78 WHIP through 27 innings pitched.
- Luis Castillo is the starter for Game 2, with a 5.16 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP through 61 innings pitched.
- Emerson Hancock is the starter for Game 3, with a 2.74 ERA and a .095 WHIP through 75.2 innings pitched.
Washington Batters:
- Daylen Lile leads the Nats in Hits and has 10 hits in his last 23 at-bats.
- Luis Garcia Jr. has three home runs in the last six games.
Seattle Batters:
- Randy Arozarena leads the Mariners in batting average, hits, and OBP.
- Josh Naylor has nine hits in his last 25 at-bats.
🎙️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
After the loss to the Giants on Wednesday, Blake Butera said, “ At the end of the day, I want these guys to know we believe in each and every one of them, and we’re gonna flush it and be ready to go on Friday after the off day.”
📅 NEXT AT BAT
Next Game: vs. Mariners, June 12, 6:45 PM ET, Nats Park
Probables: Nats — Zach Littell, Mariners — Bryce Miller
Key Storyline: Can Washington bounce back after their loss to the Giants?
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Who will win the series?
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FOSTER ON FIRE
Photo from the Nationals Instagram
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
Since signing with Washington after his time in Japan, Foster Griffin has been a solid starter for the Nats. Griffin has gone through some struggles in his earlier years in the MLB, but he's starting to develop into the efficient starter he wants to be.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Stats with the Nats: So far this season, Griffin has posted a very impressive 7-2 record with a 3.46 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.
Stats in Japan: During his time in Japan, Griffin had a 2.57 ERA through 315 and 2/3 innings.
Reliability: Griffin is now leading the Nats in ERA, WHIP, and innings pitched, and is second for the Nats in strikeouts. Griffin is now competing with Cade Cavalli for the number 1 pitcher on the depth chart.
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
After his time in Japan, Griffin said: “I learned how to be a starter again.”
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Do you think Griffin's output will continue to improve?
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JAMES WOOD MVP SEASON?
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
James Wood has been a fantastic outfielder for the Nationals since he joined the team, but this year he has made the jump from All-Star to a potential MVP candidate. Wood has been a leader for the Nats and has been one of the best outfielders in the NL this season.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Stat improvements: So far this season, James Wood has improved in all the main batting stats. His batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging are the highest they've been since he joined MLB.
On pace: James Wood is on pace to beat many of the stats he set last year as an all-star. Wood is on pace to post more runs scored, hits, home runs, walks, and stolen bases than he had last year.
Competition: So far, James Wood has the eighth-best odds to win the National League MVP. In the NL, Wood is currently third in home runs and RBIs, second in on-base and on-base plus slugging percentage, and first in walks.
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
Before the season started, James Wood said, “I just wanna be a good teammate, be there for everybody in this locker room, and do the best of my abilities.”
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Do you think Woods' odds will rise in the MVP race? Can Wood win MVP this year?
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Speed Reads
📌 Devin Fitz-Gerald and Ethan Petry Promoted to Double-A Harrisburg (The Nats Report)
📌 Nationals must make these bullpen changes after meltdown vs Giants (District on Deck)
📌 The Updated 2026 MLB Trade Deadline Big Board (Bleacher Report)