First Pitch: 6:45 PM ET
Venue: Nationals Park — Washington, D.C.
Broadcast: SNY / MASN / MLB.TV
Venue Profile — Nationals Park
- Location: Navy Yard, Washington, D.C.
- Capacity: ~41,300
- Park Factor: Slightly hitter‑friendly, especially to left‑center
- Home Run Profile: Boosts right‑handed pull hitters
- Run Environment: Moderate scoring, influenced heavily by humidity and wind
Nationals Park tends to favor line‑drive hitters and aggressive baserunners, especially in warm weather.
Weather Update (Forecast for First Pitch)
- Temperature: 74–77°F
- Wind: 7–10 mph blowing out to right‑center
- Humidity: ~58%
- Chance of Rain: <10%
- Impact: Slight boost to left‑handed power; run environment elevated
Injury Report
New York Mets
- Pete Alonso — Probable (wrist)
- Francisco Lindor — Probable (ankle)
- Starling Marte — Out (hamstring)
- Kodai Senga — Out (shoulder)
- Brooks Raley — Out (elbow)
Washington Nationals
- CJ Abrams — Probable (quad)
- Lane Thomas — Questionable (illness)
- Josiah Gray — Out (forearm)
- Hunter Harvey — Out (lat strain)
- Keibert Ruiz — Probable (knee)
Impact:
- Mets missing Marte hurts their outfield defense and top‑of‑order speed.
- Nationals missing Gray and Harvey weakens their pitching depth, but Cavalli’s presence stabilizes the rotation.
- Both teams’ stars (Alonso, Lindor, Abrams) are expected to play, keeping lineups intact.
Team Records & Recent Form
New York Mets (21–28)
Last 10: 4–6 Road Record: 9–15 Run Differential: –32 Team Identity:
- Streaky offense
- Rotation instability
- Bullpen inconsistency
Recent Trends:
- Averaging 4.1 runs per game over last 10
- Team ERA last 10 games: 4.92
- Mets have lost three straight series
Washington Nationals (25–25)
Last 10: 6–4 Home Record: 13–12 Run Differential: –9 Team Identity:
- Young, athletic lineup
- Improved starting pitching
- Aggressive baserunning
Recent Trends:
- Averaging 4.6 runs per game over last 10
- Team ERA last 10 games: 4.21
- Nationals have won two straight series
Key Player Matchups
1. Pete Alonso (NYM) vs. Cade Cavalli (WSH)
- Alonso’s power plays well with wind blowing out.
- Cavalli’s fastball/curveball combo can neutralize power hitters if he commands the curve.
- Alonso has 3 HR in his last 7 games.
Edge: Even, depends on Cavalli’s early command.
2. CJ Abrams (WSH) vs. David Peterson (NYM)
- Abrams thrives vs. left‑handed pitching (.298 vs LHP this season).
- Peterson struggles vs. speed‑oriented hitters.
- Abrams’ baserunning could be a major factor.
Edge: Abrams, especially if he reaches base early.
3. Francisco Lindor (NYM) vs. Nationals Bullpen
- Lindor heating up: .320 over last 10 games.
- Nationals bullpen ERA vs. switch‑hitters: 4.61.
- Lindor’s late‑inning production could swing the game.
Edge: Mets, innings 7–9.
4. Joey Meneses (WSH) vs. Mets Pitching
- Meneses is hitting .305 at home this season.
- Peterson’s sinker can be vulnerable to right‑handed pull hitters.
- Nationals rely on Meneses for middle‑order stability.
Edge: Meneses, especially with runners on.
Series History
- 2025 Season: Mets won series 10–9
- Last 20 meetings: Mets lead 11–9
- At Nationals Park: Nationals have won 5 of last 8
Trend: This matchup has been extremely competitive, with slight home‑field advantage for Washington.
Starting Pitching Breakdown
David Peterson — LHP, New York Mets
2026 Season:
- Record: 2–4
- ERA: 4.68
- WHIP: 1.39
- K/BB: 41/17
- HR Allowed: 7
Pitch Mix:
- Sinker: 92 mph
- Slider: 84 mph
- Changeup: 83 mph
- 4‑Seam Fastball: 93 mph
Scouting Notes:
- Struggles with command at times
- Vulnerable to right‑handed power
- Effective when slider is sharp
Cade Cavalli — RHP, Washington Nationals
2026 Season:
- Record: 3–3
- ERA: 3.81
- WHIP: 1.24
- K/BB: 52/15
- HR Allowed: 5
Pitch Mix:
- 4‑Seam Fastball: 96 mph
- Curveball: 81 mph
- Slider: 86 mph
- Changeup: 85 mph
Scouting Notes:
- Power arm with strikeout upside
- Curveball is elite when located
- Can be inefficient with pitch count
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (Run Line)
- Mets: 20–29 RL
- Nationals: 26–24 RL
- Nationals are 14–11 RL at home
Totals (O/U)
- Mets: 27–22 to the Over
- Nationals: 25–24 to the Over
- Nationals Park: Slight Over park with warm weather
Situational Trends
- Mets are 2–8 in last 10 road games
- Nationals are 7–3 in last 10 home games
- Cavalli Overs have hit in 4 of last 6 starts
Game Odds
New York Mets – 112
Washington Nationals 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026
