The Nats currently sit at 50-50 on the year, perfectly .500 on the year. Still on track to easily exceed preseason expectations, the Nats are in a good position to push for an NL Wild Card spot as the season comes to a close. They currently have the 17th hardest strength of schedule for the rest of the year, with the rest of their opponents having a combined .496 record. Sitting only 8 games out of the NL East and even more excitingly, the Nats currently sit 2 games out of an NL wild card spot. If they can keep the main core in tact and acquire some bullpen arms, they are in prime position to break their 7 year playoff drought.

Pertaining to the deadline, there are many different ideas of what the Nats should do, from all the different fans. However, it seems there is one idea that is fluid throughout them all: the Nats need bullpen arms. It is the weakest part of their game, has now costed them 28 saves, and are slowly diminishing the potential power of one of the best Nats offenses ever. Currently scoring 5.45, the Nats still lead the MLB in runs per game, yet it has seemingly been for lackluster reasons with their bullpen being the worst in the league. Currently with 5.33 average allowed runs per game, there needs to be change, and it needs to be soon.

As to the differing opinions about the deadline, there are many opposing thoughts about how to acquire these bullpen arms, with many different ways to look at it. Some (mostly non-Nats fans) believe that the Nats should, or will be getting rid of All-Star CJ Abrams at the deadline. An obvious unpopular opinion amongst Nats fans, it feels as if Abrams needs to be a Nat for life, regardless of what he asks for. Other thoughts contain ideas to trade away young offensive stars, whether it be prospects down in the minor leagues or bats playing great right now like Luis Garcia Jr. At the end of the day, it boils down to what the front office will do, and if it will benefit them in the long run of the season.

Final Score: Nationals 5, Athletics 2

Date: July 19, 2026

Location: Sutter Health Park

Winning Pitcher: Foster Griffin ([11–2], 7.0 IP, 8 H, R, ER, BB, 2 K)

Losing Pitcher: Jacob Lopez ([4–4], 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K)

Key Hitters:

Team RISP: 1-for-12

Errors: Nats 0, Athletics 0

Attendance: 9,088

Next Game: vs. Colorado Rockies, July 20, 2026, 8:40 PM, Coors Field

Probables: Nats — Undecided, Rockies — Kyle Freeland

Key Storyline: Can the Nats get back above .500 with a win over the Rockies today?

The Rochester Red Wings, Nats Triple-A affiliate, continued their outstanding season with an 11-2 victory over Jacksonville, improving to 56-38 on the year and remaining comfortably in 1st of the International League. Rochester's offense exploded for 11 runs, led by Abimelec Ortiz, who hit his 17th home run of the season while driving in four runs. Cayden Wallace also stayed hot, collecting two hits and an RBI while raising his season average to an even .300, continuing to make a strong case for another chance in the majors.

The Harrisburg Senators, Nats Double-A affiliate, picked up another quality win Sunday, defeating New Hampshire 2-0 to move their record to 45-43 on the season. The Senators pitching was dominant, combining for a three-hit shutout while striking out 11 batters. Catcher Caleb Lomavita led the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance and collecting a double, as Harrisburg earned its second straight victory.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks, Nats High-A affiliate, continued winning with a 10-6 victory over Jersey Shore, improving to 45-44 on the season. The offense was able to score 10 runs behind a good performance from Nationals No. 21 prospect Yeremy Cabrera, who continued his strong stretch, blasting a home run while finishing with two RBIs and two runs scored.

The Fredericksburg Nationals, the Nats Single-A affiliate, dropped a high-scoring 10-7 contest on Sunday but still sit in 1st in the Carolina League at 57-33. After falling behind early, the Fred Nats rallied with four runs in the eighth inning to make things interesting, but were unable to get the job done. Juan Cruz carried the offense with three hits, three RBIs, and his ninth home run of the season, helping keep the Fred Nats within striking distance until the final out.