Good Morning, Washington Nationals fans.
Here are your Washington Nationals Morning headlines, news, analysis, and more for Monday, May 4th, 2026
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, The Nats Report is proud to give back to those who serve. Throughout May, we’re offering one free month of full access to all active-duty military members and veterans—our way of saying thank you for your service and sacrifice. From exclusive Nationals coverage to in-depth analysis and insider content, we’re excited to keep you connected to the team all season long. If you or someone you know has served, be sure to take advantage of this special offer.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up!
GAME RECAP
🔥 HEADLINE
Nats Take Series Finale In Pitching Gem
Final Score: Nationals 3, Milwaukee Brewers 2
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Location: Nationals Park
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
The name of the game yesterday afternoon was small ball as the Nationals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 at home, with the biggest hit coming in the form of a go-ahead RBI triple from José Tena. Zack Littell got his first win of the season as he and the rest of the bullpen combined for seven innings with just two earned runs, three hits, and one walk.
📊 THE BOX SCORE
Winning Pitcher: Zack Littell ([1–4], 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K)
Losing Pitcher: Logan Henderson ([0–1], 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K)
Key Hitters:
Nasim Nuñez: 2-for-3, R, 2 RBI
José Tena: 1-for-2, RBI, 3B
Team RISP: [2-for-9]
Errors: Nats 0, Brewers 0
Attendance: 17,220
🎙️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
“I think he just did a really good job of living on the edges, not really leaving pitches over the middle of the plate. Also, he was ahead a ton. He threw a bunch of strikes, which he always does, but I think he did a really good job of missing barrels by not missing over the heart of the plate,” said manager Blake Butera of Littell’s performance.
📅 NEXT AT BAT
Next Game: vs. Minnesota Twins, May 5, 6:45 PM ET, Nationals Park
Probables: Nats — Cade Cavalli, Twins — Taj Bradley
Key Storyline: Can the Nats continue their momentum from the end of the Brewers series? Will Cavalli be able to continue his stellar performance from April?
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Who was tonight’s MVP?
✅ Nuñez
✅ Tena
✅ The Bullpen
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
For more on yesterday afternoon’s game, be sure to check out the game notes.
Subscribe to Nats Report+ for insider quotes, extra analytics, and so much more.
Your Sports Knowledge Pays
Turn your sports knowledge into profit. Trade on real game outcomes, and earn if you’re right.
No house. Peer-to-peer. Cash out anytime.
Start with $10 here.
Trade responsibly.
Waiver Moves
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
The Nationals announced just after the start of yesterday’s game that they claimed pitcher Zak Kent off outright waivers. In this announcement, they also stated that they have optioned him to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Right-handed pitcher Zak Kent was picked up on waivers by the Nats after being designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins, with whom he appeared in two games and allowed two earned runs across 5 2/3 innings pitched
Kent made his major league debut with the Cleveland Guardians last season, pitching in 12 games and recording a 4.58 ERA, racking up 16 strikeouts and eight walks across 17 2/3 innings pitched
The right-hander was designated for assignment by the Guardians over the winter, being picked up and subsequently DFA’d by two other teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, before the start of the season
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
This move is a solid way for the Nationals to both add to their pitching options as well as fill the opening in Rochester that had been open with Orlando Ribalta being recalled. Adding another arm with not just experience at the Triple-A level but the major league level to the Red Wings can almost be seen as a 100% positive addition. And with claiming Kent off of waivers, the Nats also add to their relief options should something happen, should they need it.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
What do you think of this addition to the team? How do you think Kent will perform while in Rochester?
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
For more on Nationals pitching news, make sure to check out this article on right-handers Shawn Dubin and Max Kranick.
Want the full breakdown before anyone else? 🔔 Subscribe to The Nats Report Morning Briefing — exclusive access, deep dives, and insider audio drops every weekday morning.
theFUTURE
Via Washington Nationals
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
The Nats’ minor league teams all swept their Sunday games, as each team won their games, with all but one winning their weekend series. Rochester has also seen players like Harry Ford progress more in their game while with the team.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Rochester beat the Worcester Red Sox yesterday 6-3, powered by home runs from both Dylan Crews and Andrew Pinckney, with Pinckney’s being a two-run home run, sealing their series win two games to one
The Senators beat the Akron RubberDucks 13-11 yesterday, with Harrisburg not allowing Akron to score a single run after the first two innings, ending their series on a high note after losing the first two games
Yesterday, Wilmington beat the Asheville Tourists 6-5, coming back to win it with four runs in the seventh inning, completing their weekend sweep at home
The Fredericksburg Nationals beat the Hickory Crawdads 9-1 yesterday, with winning pitcher Grant Manning going three innings and only allowing three hits and no earned runs while racking up four strikeouts, wrapping up the series win two games to one
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
“I think if you ask Harry, he’s like, ‘Gosh, I wish I was hitting better than I have been’. But I think a lot of the underlying stuff is pretty darn good. He’s got a tremendous eye, he controls the zone great. I think the big thing for Harry here in the coming weeks is, when you get up there and you get your pitch, let it loose with intent and try to hit a ball hard,” said president of baseball operations Paul Toboni on Rochester catcher Harry Ford’s progression so far.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
What did you think of this weekend’s minor league matchups? What do you think of Harry Ford’s progression so far this season?
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
For more Nationals news from over the weekend, be sure to check out this article.
Want the full breakdown before anyone else? 🔔 Subscribe to The Nats Report Morning Briefing — exclusive access, deep dives, and insider audio drops every weekday morning.
WHAT WE THINK THE NATIONALS FRONT OFFICE IS READING
Speed Reads
📌 Blake Butera is not impressed with the Washington Nationals defense (Federal Baseball)
📌 After first month, Nats taking it day by day (MLB)