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Here are your Washington Nationals Morning headlines, news, analysis, and more for Thursday, May 7, 2026
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📅 NEXT AT BAT
Today vs. Minnesota Twins, 1:05 PM ET
Friday @ Miami Marlins, 7:10 PM ET - New Away Series
Saturday @ Miami Marlins, 4:10 PM ET
Sunday @ Miami Marlins, 12:10 PM ET
Nats Look for Win Series Against Twins
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
After evening up the series with the win over the Twins yesterday, the Nats look to ride the momentum and pick up the series win in today’s game. In a pivotal week the Nats have started off well, but still struggling to put together back-to-back wins.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
With their win yesterday and some help from the Marlins, the Nats are now tied for second in the NL East with the Phillies. While yes, it is still very early in the marathon of a season, this has to be a good feeling for the Nats and their fans. Projected to be wrote off right at the start of the season, it’s nice to see them up fighting with the rest. This will be a factor to watch as the Nats kick off their series against the Marlins for the weekend on Friday.
After a rough pitching display on Tuesday, the Nats bounced back well yesterday, led by Miles Mikolas, who after a rough start to the year seems to be finding his rhythm. Pitching 5.1 innings and only allowing 2 runs, that his been his 6th straight outing allowing 3 runs or less, a not great but notable number for him as he’s continued to work on bringing down his ERA from a previous 14.
On the offensive side of the ball, watch out for Jose Tena who has seemingly caught fire. 25-year-old Tena has had 3 crazy back to back games, going from a triple Sunday, a 2-3 performance Tuesday, and a homer yesterday. Tena has seemingly become a pivotal piece providing another hot bat at DH and 2nd base, now with the 2nd best batting average on the team (.297), only behind CJ Abrams.
As the Nats bullpen continue to get much better, they continue to show their persistence to keep the Nats offense in games, and put the team in place to win. Once sitting as the worst bullpen in the MLB, the Nats are slowly working themselves up, now at 21st and lowering their ERA to 4.6. As the Nats continue to trend in the right direction, give the bullpen their credit in the games they slow the game down and keep the Nats in it.
🗣️ LOCKER ROOM LORE
After their addition of Max Kranick, Blake Butera cited his excitement in the new reliever joining the squad.
“He’s had success,” manager Blake Butera said of Kranick. “He’s been a good pitcher in this league. I’m just excited to get him here. Obviously, he’s still injured and on the IL of course, but I’ve heard nothing but good things. I’m excited to add another arm to the org.”
When asked if he had any doubt about adding a pitcher that is currently on injured reserved, Butera put the questions to rest.
“We want to build a winner over time that is going to be good for a long time,” said Butera. “And that might mean finding some players that maybe aren't able to pitch right now, but we see working into our plans in the future, especially if we get our training staff's hands on these guys. We have, I think, one of the best training staffs in the game in terms of rehab and building pitchers back up.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Do you think the Nats close out the series with a win against the Twins today, finally getting back-to-back wins?
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Nats Rout Twins 15-2 in Bounce Back Victory
🔥 HEADLINE
1, 2, 3… 4 homers in huge game from Nationals on Wednesday
Final Score: Nationals 15, Twins 2
Date: May 6, 2026
Location: Nationals Park
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
Nats power 4 homers, 7 players tally a hit as the Nats tie up their series against the Minnesota Twins. On top of the dominant offense, pitching was an equal success, with Miles Mikolas going 5.1 innings with only 3 hits and 2 runs allowed. Lets look for the Nats to put together a performance like this in today’s series close out game, before they travel to Miami.
📊 THE BOX SCORE
Winning Pitcher: Miles Mikolas ([1–3], 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K)
Losing Pitcher: Bailey Ober ([3–2], 5.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K)
Key Hitters:
Brady House: 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBIs
CJ Abrams: 3-for-5, HR, 5 RBIs
Jose Tena: 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBIs
Team RISP: 7-for-15
Errors: Nats 1, Twins 0
Attendance: 17,444
📈 MORNING STAT
5 games into May, CJ Abrams has tallied 7 RBIs. Tied for 6th most in the MLB, he continues to be the key source of Nats offense as the season goes on.
📅 NEXT AT BAT
Next Game: vs. Twins, May 7, 1:10 PM ET, Nationals Park
Probables: Nats — Jake Irvin, Twins — Simeon Woods Richardson
Key Storyline: Can the Nats close out the series with back to back big wins against the Twins?
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Who else on the offense do you think is going to breakout as the season goes on?
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theFUTURE
⚾ DUGOUT DISPATCH
Eli Willits can’t be stopped as Nats minor league teams start slowing down from their incredible pace. Despite a slow week, 3 of their 4 minor league teams still have winning records. Here’s the breakdown of a star on every team who’s shining currently.
📊 THE BOX SCORE:
The Fred Nats, Nats Single-A affiliate are now 19-10 on the season. Dropping back-to-back games, there has still been a high point in Nats number one prospect and number one overall pick Eli Willits. Eli crushed a homer in yesterday’s game, making his 4th on the season, and his 2nd in 5 games in May.
The Harrisburg Senators, Nats Double-A affiliate moved to 16-12 after dropping 2 games to Erie to start the week. Despite the cold streak, no one other than Nats number 7 prospect Seaver King has continued to shine, going 3-5 with a triple in the loss yesterday. As he continues to put up insane stats, he should be called up any day now as he chases his major league start.
The Nats High-A affiliate, Wilmington Blue Rocks move to 16-11 on the year. With their game being postponed yesterday, their last game Tuesday resulted in a 14-8 victory, led by a 3-3 four run performance and triple by Nats number 9 prospect Devin Fitz-Gerald.
The Nats Triple-A affiliate, Rochester Red Wings move to 17-18 on the year. After splitting a win and a loss to start their week, the Red Wings continue their sluggish climb to .500, just like the Nats. Previous Rochester Red Wing player of the month Yohandy Morales has continued his hot hand however, now batting .324 on the season after a 1-1 one walk 1 RBI outing on Tuesday.
📈 MORNING STAT
The Nats minor league teams move to a combined 68-51 on the season, still an amazing feat as they chase a combined record of well-above .500.
💬 FAN’S CHOICE
Have you gone and checked out any minor league teams yet this year?
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WHAT WE THINK THE NATIONALS FRONT OFFICE IS READING
Speed Reads
📌 It's not a fable, it's Nats speedster Nuñez and his ironic pet (MLB)
📌 Nationals fan survey results, Pt. 2: 80 Percent of readers say Lerners should sell (Athletic)
📌Nationals DFA Former First-Round Pick After Officially Signing Max Kranick (SI)