Good Morning, Washington Nationals fans.
Here are your Washington Nationals Morning headlines, news, analysis, and more for Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
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📅 NEXT AT BAT
Tonight vs. Houston Astros 6:45 PM ET- Can the Nats win the series?
Thursday - Rest Day
Friday vs. New York Yankees 6:45 PM ET - New Home Series
MATT KROOK
Photo from MLB.com
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
With many pitchers on the IL, the Nats require extra arms, and they have recently acted upon that. After being claimed off waivers, the Nats activated pitcher Matt Krook on July 7.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Stats: In the minor leagues this year, Krook has posted a 3.72 ERA, a 1.41 WHIP, and has thrown 42 strikeouts through 29 innings pitched.
Pitching: Krook's two main pitches over the years have been his sweeper and sinker. While Krook doesn't throw the fastest, he makes up for it with movement and spin.
Roster Changes: After claiming Krook, the Nats Designated Andre Granillo for assignment and optioned Zak Kent to the Rochester Red Wings.
Nats Debut: On Tuesday, Krook pitched 0.2 innings, gave up one hit, one walk, one hit by pitch, and threw one strikeout. He threw 23 pitches, and 14 of them were strikes.
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
Brad Wakai of Sports Illustrated said, “If Washington is serious about making a postseason push, then adding real arms for their bullpen is something that must happen.”
📈 MORNING STAT
Krook became the 14th pitcher to make his Nationals debut this year.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Are you a fan of Krook with the Nationals? Do you think Krook will be a reliable option for the Nats?
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NATS LOSE 6-3 TO THE ASTROS
Another game was lost due to pitching mistakes, and runners left on base.
Final Score: Nationals 3, Astros 6
Date: July 7, 2026
Location: Nationals Park
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
The Nats got off to a great start with a leadoff home run by James Wood in the first inning, but couldn't keep that momentum going for the rest of the game, leaving 11 runners on base throughout the game. The Nats' pitching struggled by giving up seven walks, two hit by pitches, and a home run. While Andrew Alvarez walked five batters and gave up four hits, this was his first game this year in which he stayed in the game past the fifth inning.
📊 THE BOX SCORE
Winning Pitcher: Steven Okert ([2–1], 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K)
Losing Pitcher: Andrew Alvarez ([2–2], 5.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 3 K)
Key Hitters:
James Wood: 2-for-4, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB
CJ Abrams: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB
Jose Tena: 1-for-1, HR, RBI
Team RISP: 0-for-7
Errors: Nats 0, Astros 1
Attendance: 20,424
🎙️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
President of baseball operations for the Nats, Paul Toboni, said, “We’re all about competing this year and realizing whatever our potential is this year… If CJ, James, and these guys are taking big steps forward, I think that's going to mean really good things for years to come.”
📅 NEXT AT BAT
Next Game: vs. Astros, 7/8/2026, 6:45 PM ET, Nationals Park
Key Storyline: Can the Nats win the series?
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Who was tonight’s MVP?
✅ Wood
✅ Abrams
✅ Tena
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theFUTURE
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
All of the Nationals' minor league affiliates just started a new series, and with the MLB draft coming up, there are a lot of moving pieces right now. With many top prospects playing at different levels, their performances might affect some decisions on draft night.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
Rochester: The Red Wings game yesterday was postponed due to rain, so they will play a doubleheader today against Worcester. The Red Wings' top prospect is shortstop Seaver King, who currently has a .275 batting average and a .443 slugging percentage. The Red Wings also have Brady House and Harry Ford, who both have a case for being called up to MLB.
Harrisburg: The Senators started the series with a 4-3 win against the Erie SeaWolves. Fifth-rated Nationals prospect Devin Fitz-Gerald has not had the best season so far, with a .149 batting average. Fitz-Gerald went 1-for-4 with a run scored and a strikeout.
Wilmington: Yesterday, the Blue Rocks kicked off their series with a 2-1 win over the Brooklyn Cyclones. Eli Willits led the team, going 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.
Fredericksburg: The Nationals lost their series opener 9-11 against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. The Nationals' eighth-rated prospect, Gavin Fien, went 1-for-5 and is batting .240 this season.
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
With the MLB draft coming up, Nats president of baseball operations, Paul Toboni, shared his thoughts on the draft and acquiring new players. “I’m really excited for it. It's one of my favorite times of the year.” Toboni later added, “We'll maintain an open mind. Honestly, so much is dictated by just what the draft board looks like and who's available at your pick. I've just learned over the years that a lot of it kind of sorts itself out.”
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Can the Red Wings win both games in their doubleheader? Who do you want to be available at pick 11 in the draft?
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Speed Reads
📌 BREAKING NEWS: Cade Cavalli Suspension Reduced, Begins Tonight (The Nats Report)