Good Morning, Washington Nationals fans.
Here are your Washington Nationals Morning headlines, news, analysis, and more for Thursday, July 7, 2026
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📅 NEXT AT BAT
Today vs. Houston Astros 6:45 PM ET
Wednesday vs. Houston Astros 6:45 PM ET
Thursday - Rest Day
Friday vs. New York Yankees 6:45 PM ET - New Home Series
Nats Still Sit Above .500, Five Games til Break
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
After a sluggish 1-2 4th of July weekend, the Nats get back on track yesterday with an explosive win, and continue to hang two games above .500, a very familiar spot recently, but not a bad spot to be. With only 5 games remaining until the All-Star break, 2 series wins and a couple more solid outings, and the Nats are into All-Star weekend above .500 and in a good position to buy as the deadline approaches. Despite the finish line being in sight, the Nats can’t get too comfortable, especially with the early series lead against the Astros, they must finish strong.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
With yesterday’s win, the Nats currently sit at 47-45 on the season, 2 games above .500 and only 7 games outside 1st in the NL East. With their last 5 games all being home games, the Nats have a chance to continue working towards their home record on the year. In their up year, the Nats have been absolutely stellar on the road, compiling a 28-18 away record. However, despite the home win yesterday, the Nats home record is still 19-27, the third worst in the MLB. With these 5 games and a little momentum from yesterday, they are in a good spot to get the narrative reversed.
James Wood, a now 2026 All-Star continued to be amazing yesterday and over the the short course of July so far. In 5 games so far in July, Wood has hit 3 homers, 8 RBIs, and .357 average. Already being one of the best NL outfielders in the league, Wood has compiled 24 homers on the year, tied for 7th in the league, a .939 OPS, 2nd in the league, and 81 runs on the year, 19 more than second place.
The Nats defense really must continue to grow if the Nats are going to make any late season pushes as the year goes on. With 12 runs yesterday, the Nats offense is clearly not a problem, scoring 5.40 runs per game, 1st in the MLB. However despite these amazing numbers, yesterday the Nats also gave up 11 runs in a season full of defensive struggles. With the 3rd most allowed runs per game, the most bullpen runs and homers allowed, and the most errors in the MLB per game, it is a clear symbol what is holding the Nats back from winning more games, and needs to be a management priority at the deadline.
The Dynamic Duo of CJ Abrams and James Wood have both rightfully been selected for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game! Nats star shortstop CJ Abrams will be making his second All-Star appearance of his career next week, chosen to start for the NL at shortstop by our fans. James Wood, was seemingly robbed of a starting role in the All-Star process, but was done right by the MLB being selected for his second ever All-Star Game outing. As the team continues to play solid ball and the deadline approaches, it feels essential that these two stars stay on board for years to come.
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
Following the scuffle last week, Cade Cavalli has officially begun his 5-game suspension for his role in the Fenway Park incident. He could not be more regretful surrounding the situation.
“It’s been tough to sleep,” Cavalli said on Friday when the original discipline was announced. “I never thought in a million years I’d be in this situation. I know where my heart is. I’ve learned that the people around me know where my heart is. The unwavering support from my teammates, my family and this staff, I’m just very grateful for them.”
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Do you think the Nats make it into the All-Star break above .500 come next week?
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
Drive engagement and growth. Be sure to check out the other’s competing in the All-Star Game alongside Wood and Abrams!
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Nats Mash 12 Runs, Get Early Series Lead
🔥 HEADLINE
Nats go down 5 in the top of the 3rd inning, quickly tie it back up in the bottom of the 3rd before pulling away late.
Final Score: Nationals 12, Astros 11
Date: July 6, 2026
Location: Nationals Park
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
After a rough start where the Nats dropped to a 6-1 deficit in the top of the 3rd inning, CJ Abrams mashed a homer to cap a 5 run 3rd inning for the Nats, tying the game back up and then shortly after in the 5th inning, James Wood mashed his 2nd grand slam of his professional career. An amazing display for the 2 Nats All-Stars. However, the pitching was dicey, giving up 11 total runs on the game, with Miles Mikolas allowing 7 as the starter and putting the offense in a tight spot. Luckily the offense was able to pull them out of it, but that will not always be the case.
📊 THE BOX SCORE
Winning Pitcher: Miles Mikolas ([3–7], 6.0 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 3 K)
Losing Pitcher: Mike Burrows ([4–9], 4.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 3 K)
Key Hitters:
James Wood: 1-for-2, Grand Slam, 3 Walks
CJ Abrams: 3-for-5, HR, 3 RBIs
Curtis Mead: 3-for-5, HR, 3 RBIs
Team RISP: [6-for-13]
Errors: Nats 0, Astros 2
Attendance: 11,092
📈 MORNING STAT
The Nats haven’t been above .500 going into the all star break since the 2019 season. With few games remaining, they just need to win 2 of the next 5 to put their losing starts to seasons behind them.
📅 NEXT AT BAT
Next Game: vs. Houston Astros, Today, 6:45 PM ET, Nationals Park
Probables: Nats — Andrew Alvarez, Astros — Tatsuya Imai
Key Storyline: Can Alvarez get his second straight win of July to get the series win early?
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Do you think the Nats can do the job and close out the series with a win early?
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
Like this recap? Check out yesterday’s game notes by Richard!
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theFUTURE
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
In an action packed, yet rainy 4th of July weekend, the Nats 4 minor league teams currently still all sit at or are above .500. With a rest day yesterday, the Nats affiliates are ready to tune up for a big week, the last one before the minor league All-Star break. Let’s hope they can keep up the good work as they look to get a well earned week-off following some gritty series wins.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
The Rochester Red Wings, the Nats Triple-A affiliate continue to lead the International League, despite dropping their game on Sunday. Now sitting at 51-34 on the year, they continue to push forward this week starting a series against Worchester. Nats start of 2026 season legend, Joey Wiemer was able to have a good game despite the loss on Sunday, tallying 2 hits and an RBI in the 3-5 defeat. Let’s hope he can continue playing strong baseball for the Red Wings as he looks to work back up to the majors.
The Fredericksburg Nationals, the Nats Single-A affiliate also continue to lead the Carolina North, despite also dropping their game on Sunday. Now sitting at 54-27 on the year, the Fred Nats are set to start an away series against Myrtle Beach this week. Fred Nats Branden Boissiere has continued to play strong ball for the Fred Nats, batting .313 for them this year, and tallying a hit in the loss on Sunday.
The Harrisburg Senators, the Nats Double-A affiliate were able to get a 6-5 victory on Sunday Funday, moving their season record to 40-39 on the year, as they continue to push above the .500 threshold. On Sunday, Nats number 23 prospect Sam Petersen had a fantastic game, tallying 2 hits with a homer in the win. Petersen continues to bat .308 with 2 homers in 5 games in July so far, putting himself on great pace for a call up in the near future.
The Wilmington Blue Rocks, Nats High-A affiliate were also unable to get the win on Sunday, now sitting at 40-40 on the year as they travel to Brooklyn for the week to attempt to surge above the .500 mark. In their loss, Nats number 17 prospect Miguel Sime Jr. started the game, giving up 2 hits, 2 runs and 4 walks in 2 innings in the loss, having an off game but still looking to continue persevering as a hot prospect.
📈 MORNING STAT
The Nats 4 minor league affiliates now have a combined 185-140 record, with every team at or above .500 and 45 games above .500 overall.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Which of the Nats 4 minor league affiliate has been your favorite to watch so far this season?
📬 SUBSCRIBER CTA
Drive engagement and growth. Check out the Harrisburg Senators Weekly Recap by Nash Henry!
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WHAT WE THINK THE NATIONALS FRONT OFFICE IS READING
Speed Reads
📌 Traded together, Abrams, Wood come full circle with All-Star nods for Nats (MLB)
📌Cade Cavalli is contrite. What he and the Nationals do next is much more important (Athletic)