With a positive week this week, there is a high chance come Sunday the Nats would be 2nd in the NL East, and comfortably in a Wild Card spot. In a season where truthfully, no one expected anything from the young and new Nats squad, they have completely shocked the league and put them on notice. With a 2.5% chance of making the playoffs preseason, the Nats have recently surged well above 30% recently, and with more consistent baseball and a buy at the deadline, there’s no telling how high the Nats could get that percentage.

In a season where Foster Griffin has been great, he continued to show it in yesterday’s outing. In June, he has pitched 24.1 innings and 4 outings. In those 4 outings, he has not allowed more than 1 run in a single one. He is 2-0 in June (should easily be 3-0, but the Giants miracle comeback game happened) with a 1.48 ERA and 24 strikeouts through 24.1 innings. Although it might be too late of a surge for voters to realize, Griffin has greatly started to push for an All-Star bid, and has his hopes on one in the future as he continues to be the Nats ace.

Speaking of All-Star voters, James Wood still sits on the outside of the NL Outfield Race, while he continues his tear throughout the month of June. Wood still currently sits tied for 6th in the league in homers, and has the 17th best OPS with a .937. He has not let it get him down however, as he keeps playing great baseball, and seems to be more focused on the Nats winning games and continuing their push for a shot at the playoffs. Be sure to vote for your favorite Nats to be in the All-Star game here!

Final Score: Nationals 4, Phillies 1

Date: June 22nd 2026

Location: Nationals Park

Winning Pitcher: Foster Griffin ([8–2], 7.1 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 0 BB, 9 K)

Losing Pitcher: Tim Mayza ([2–2], 1.0 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 0 BB, 2 K)

Key Hitters:

Team RISP: [2-for-12]

Errors: Nats 2, Phillies 1

Attendance: 18,237

Next Game: vs. Philadelphia Phillies, Today, 6:45 PM ET, Nationals Park

Probables: Nats — Zack Littell, Phillies — Jesus Luzardo

Key Storyline: Can Zack Littell get back to the level he was playing in May with a good start?

The Fred Nats, the Nats Single-A affiliate finish up the first half of the season at 48-21, 1st in the Carolina North and the Nats strongest affiliate. Led by Eli Willits to start the year, the Fred Nats have recently been led by Nats number 8 prospect Gavin Fien. In June, Fien has tallied a .345 batting average capped off with 4 homers, 23 RBIs and 11 walks. Let’s hope he can heat up as the Fred Nats have a high chance for a big playoff run this year.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Nats High-A affiliate finish up the first half of the season at 34-34 on the season, 3rd in the SAL North. Recently starting to heat up again, the Blue Rocks have been led by number one overall pick and prospect Eli Willits. Upon being called up to High-A Willits has continued his run, tallying a .322 batting average in June with 7 homers and 11 walks. Let’s hope they can continue surging above .500.

The Harrisburg Senators, the Nats Double-A affiliate, finish up the first half of the season at 34-35 on the season, 4th in the EAS Southeast. Recently playing some solid ball, the Senators have been led by Cayden Wallace, who over the course of this season has tallied a .299 batting average, 17 homers and an OPS of .936. Continuing to quietly play extremely consistent baseball, let’s hope Wallace sees his call up soon.

The Rochester Red Wings, the Nats Triple-A affiliate, finish up the first half of the season at 45-28 on the season, 1st in the INT East. Playing some extremely solid baseball as of late, the Red Wings have been led by Nats number 28 prospect Yohany Morales. This season Morales has tallied a .320 batting average with 16 homers and a .951 OPS. He will be a real star third basemen for the Nationals someday soon.