Petco Park in San Diego, California.
First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.
TV coverage includes Padres.TV and Nationals.TV; streaming is available via Fubo and similar platforms.
Starting Pitchers
Nationals: LHP Jackson Kent (1-3, 5.55 ERA, ~1.68 WHIP, 21 K in 24.1 IP). Rookie left-hander making a limited number of starts this season. He has shown control issues (nearly as many walks as strikeouts) and is coming off a loss at the Dodgers. This is his first career start against San Diego.
Padres: RHP Walker Buehler (8-6, 4.56 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 117 K in 136.1 IP). Veteran right-hander who has been more effective lately (stronger numbers since early August). The Padres have a strong record in his starts. Career vs. Nationals is solid (3-1, 2.67 ERA in limited action). Coming off a solid outing against the Yankees.
Buehler holds a clear edge in experience, recent form, and overall reliability against a young, high-walk lefty in Kent.
Venue and Weather
Petco Park (San Diego, CA). Forecast: Sunny and warm to hot, with highs near 90–100°F inland but more moderate at the ballpark (game-time temperatures likely in the mid-to-upper 70s to low 80s). Light west/southwest winds around 5–10 mph. Near-zero precipitation chance; classic clear Southern California conditions ideal for baseball.
Injury Reports
Nationals:
Orlando Ribalta (RP): 15-day IL (forearm).
Matt Waldron (P): 15-day IL (chest).
Longer-term: Josiah Gray, DJ Herz, Mitchell Parker, PJ Poulin, Richard Lovelady, and others (mostly elbow/forearm, 60-day IL).
Padres:
Miguel Andujar (DH/OF): 10-day IL (wrist; rehab underway).
Gavin Sheets (1B/OF): 10-day IL (foot; possible return window).
Jeremiah Estrada (RP): 15-day IL (shoulder).
Longer-term: Joe Musgrove, Lucas Giolito, Jason Adam, Ramon Laureano, Luis Rengifo, and others (elbow/shoulder/knee/hip, mostly 60-day IL).
Projected/recent lineups
Nationals: James Wood, CJ Abrams, Dylan Crews, Daylen Lile, Brady House, Yohandy Morales, and supporting young talent.
Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr., Jake Cronenworth, Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts, Luis Campusano, and available pieces. Key performers: Nationals — Wood, Abrams (speed), Lile (power/RBI), House. Padres — Tatis Jr. (all-around star), Machado (hot recently), Merrill, Cronenworth.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Kent (LHP, control concerns) vs. Padres right-handed power and contact (Tatis, Machado, Bogaerts). Walks could inflate scoring chances early.
Buehler (RHP) vs. Nationals lefty-heavy or switch-hitting young core (Wood, Abrams, Lile). His recent form and experience should help limit damage.
Petco Park is generally pitcher-friendly, which favors Buehler and the stronger San Diego staff/bullpen.
Recent Team Forms
Nationals (last 10: ~3-7): On a six-game losing streak (many by one or two runs). Struggling bullpen (record blown saves). Fifth in NL East; playing out the string on a tough road trip. Road mark 34-40.
Padres (last 10: 5-5; current three-game home win streak): Fighting for the final NL wild-card spot (close to Arizona). Strong home record (45-29) and better overall pitching. Third in NL West.
Series History
Current series: Padres lead 2-0 (won Monday 3-2, Tuesday 5-4 on a late rally). Season series: Padres lead 3-2 overall heading into the finale. San Diego seeks the sweep.
Betting Trends
Padres strong at home and covering as favorites against weaker opponents.
Nationals’ recent close losses and bullpen issues support favorites.
Petco often keeps totals moderate; public heavily backs San Diego.
Buehler’s team win rate in his starts is a positive indicator.
Game Odds
Washington Nationals 8
San Diego Padres – 181
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, September 8, 2026
