MLB Game Preview: Philadelphia Phillies (43-36) vs. Washington Nationals (41-39)

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WASHINGTON – The Philadelphia Phillies continue their divisional road swing Wednesday night when they face the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET, with Aaron Nola set to start for Philadelphia against Miles Mikolas for Washington.

The Phillies enter at 43–36, looking to keep pace in the NL East race. The Nationals, at 41–39, have surged into Wild Card contention behind improved pitching and timely hitting.

Venue

Nationals Park — Washington, D.C.

First pitch: 6:45 p.m. ET

Surface: Natural grass

Dimensions: 336–402–335

Weather

  • Temperature: 82°F
  • Wind: 6 mph blowing out to left
  • Humidity: 64%
  • Chance of rain: 20%

Conditions slightly favor hitters, especially right‑handed pull power.

Probable Pitchers

Philadelphia: RHP Aaron Nola

Nola remains the Phillies’ most reliable innings‑eater, leaning on his curveball and elite command. He has allowed three runs or fewer in six of his last eight starts and owns strong career numbers against Washington.

Washington: RHP Miles Mikolas

Mikolas has been steady but hittable, relying on soft contact and ground balls. His home ERA is significantly better than his road mark, but he has struggled at times with high‑OBP lineups like Philadelphia’s.

Injury Report

Philadelphia Phillies

  • Bryce Harper — ACTIVE
  • Trea Turner — ACTIVE
  • Kyle Schwarber — ACTIVE
  • J.T. Realmuto — OUT (knee)
  • Taijuan Walker — OUT (shoulder)

Washington Nationals

  • CJ Abrams — ACTIVE
  • Lane Thomas — ACTIVE
  • Joey Meneses — ACTIVE
  • Josiah Gray — OUT (forearm)
  • Keibert Ruiz — OUT (concussion)

Team Records & Recent Form

Philadelphia Phillies (43–36)

  • Last 10: 5–5
  • Trend: Pitching stabilizing; offense inconsistent on the road
  • Strength: Top‑of‑order production, rotation depth
  • Weakness: Bullpen volatility without Alvarado

Washington Nationals (41–39)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend: Offense improving; pitching carrying momentum
  • Strength: Speed, contact hitting, bullpen efficiency
  • Weakness: Power production, defensive lapses

Key Player Matchups

Bryce Harper (PHI) vs Miles Mikolas (WSH)

Harper has strong career numbers against sinker‑heavy pitchers. Mikolas’ inability to miss bats could be a problem against Harper’s hot June form.

CJ Abrams (WSH) vs Aaron Nola (PHI)

Abrams’ speed and aggressiveness challenge Nola’s ability to control the running game. The curveball vs. left‑handed hitters will be the key pitch.

Kyle Schwarber (PHI) vs Nationals Bullpen

If Mikolas exits early, Schwarber’s power becomes a major threat against Washington’s right‑handed relievers.

Series History

  • Season series: Phillies lead 3–2
  • At Nationals Park: Phillies have won 9 of last 13
  • Recent trend: Philadelphia has outscored Washington 28–20 across their last six meetings

Betting Trends

Philadelphia Phillies

  • 6–2 in Nola’s last eight starts
  • Under has hit in 5 of last 7
  • 4–1 in last five road games vs Washington

Washington Nationals

  • 5–1 in last six home games
  • Under has hit in 6 of last 9
  • 4–0 in Mikolas’ last four home starts

Game Odds

Philadelphia Phillies                      – 128

Washington Nationals                   9.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 23, 2026

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