MLB Game Preview: Miami Marlins (26-34) vs. Washington Nationals (31-29)

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Nationals Park — Washington, D.C.

First Pitch: 6:45 PM ET / 3:45 PM PT

Broadcast: MASN, Bally Sports Florida, MLB.TV

Probable Pitchers:

MIA — Sandy Alcantara (RHP)

WSH — Cade Cavalli (RHP)

VENUE & WEATHER

Venue: Nationals Park Surface: Natural grass Weather:

Temperature: 79°F at first pitch

Wind: Light SSW breeze 5–7 mph (slight boost to LF)

Conditions: Clear, low humidity

Impact: Slightly hitter‑friendly but still neutral overall

INJURY REPORT

Miami Marlins

Jazz Chisholm Jr. — Probable (shoulder soreness)

Jake Burger — Out (oblique)

Jesús Luzardo — Out (forearm)

A.J. Puk — Day‑to‑Day (back tightness)

Washington Nationals

CJ Abrams — Probable (ankle)

Lane Thomas — Probable (hamstring)

Josiah Gray — Out (elbow)

Keibert Ruiz — Day‑to‑Day (illness)

Both teams have key bats nursing minor issues, but the Nationals are closer to full strength.

TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM

MIAMI MARLINS (26–34)

Last 10: 4–6 Road Record: 12–18 Run Differential: ‑41

Miami continues to struggle with:

Inconsistent offense

Lack of power (bottom‑5 HR rate)

Bullpen volatility

Poor performance in close games

Bright spot: Sandy Alcantara is rounding into form after a slow April.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (31–29)

Last 10: 6–4 Home Record: 17–13 Run Differential: +12

Washington is outperforming expectations thanks to:

Improved pitching depth

Strong defense

Abrams’ breakout season

Cavalli’s steady development

The Nats are 10–4 in their last 14 home games.

STARTING PITCHING MATCHUP

MIA — Sandy Alcantara (RHP)

2026 Stats:

4–6, 3.88 ERA

1.21 WHIP

8.3 K/9

54% ground‑ball rate

Profile:

Power sinker

Devastating changeup

Elite stamina

Vulnerable early in games this season

Key Factor: Nationals are a strong fastball‑hitting team but struggle vs. elite changeups — advantage Alcantara if he commands it.

WSH — Cade Cavalli (RHP)

2026 Stats:

5–3, 3.41 ERA

1.17 WHIP

9.1 K/9

32% CSW rate

Profile:

Power four‑seam

Sharp curveball

Improved command

Dominant at home (2.74 ERA at Nationals Park)

Key Factor: Miami ranks bottom‑10 vs. high‑velocity fastballs.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MIA) vs. Cavalli

Chisholm struggles vs. high fastballs — Cavalli’s strength. Advantage: Nationals

Luis Arraez (MIA) vs. Cavalli

Arraez can neutralize velocity with elite bat‑to‑ball skills. Advantage: Even

CJ Abrams (WSH) vs. Alcantara

Abrams’ speed vs. Alcantara’s ground‑ball profile is fascinating. If Abrams gets on, he can disrupt the game. Advantage: Nationals (slightly)

Lane Thomas (WSH) vs. Miami Bullpen

Thomas crushes lefties and late‑inning fastballs. Miami’s bullpen is bottom‑5 in ERA. Advantage: Nationals

SERIES HISTORY

Last 10 meetings: Nationals lead 6–4

At Nationals Park: Washington has won 7 of last 11

Average margin last 5 games: Nationals +1.8

Washington has quietly controlled this matchup recently.

BETTING TRENDS

Miami Marlins

3–7 in last 10 road games

Under is 5–2 in last 7

2–8 in Alcantara’s last 10 road starts

Washington Nationals

10–4 in last 14 home games

Under is 4–1 in last 5

6–1 in Cavalli’s last 7 starts

Head‑to‑Head

Nationals 7–3 last 10 at home vs. Miami

Unders hit in 6 of last 9 meetings

GAME ODDS

Miami Marlins                                  8

Washington Nationals                   – 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, May 31, 2026