First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 PM EDT
Venue: Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
TV/Streaming: CHSN, Nationals.TV / MLB.TV
Series Context: Rubber match of a three-game interleague series (tied 1-1 after White Sox won Game 1 5-4 and Nationals took Game 2 6-3 in 10 innings).
Team Records and Recent Form
Washington Nationals (12-16 overall, 9-6 on the road): The Nationals sit third in the NL East and have shown road resilience (9-6 away) despite overall inconsistency. They snapped a brief skid with yesterday’s extra-innings win but are 2-3 in their last 5 overall. Offense has been opportunistic (~4.5-5 runs/game recently), though the bullpen has been stretched in close contests.
Chicago White Sox (11-16 overall, 4-7 at home): The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central and have struggled at Rate Field. They split the first two games of this series but are 3-2 in their last 5 overall, showing improved pitching depth at times. Home offense has been middling (~4.2 runs/game), with timely power but defensive lapses.
Probable Pitchers and Player Matchups
Nationals Starter: Foster Griffin (RHP, 3-0, 3.38 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) — Griffin has been one of Washington’s bright spots with strong offspeed command and low hard-contact rates. He’ll look to exploit a White Sox lineup prone to strikeouts against righties.
White Sox Starter: Sean Burke (RHP, 1-2, 4.10 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) — Burke offers size and strikeout upside but has allowed traffic on the bases. He’ll need to limit extra-base hits against a Nationals lineup that has feasted on mistakes in recent road games.
Key Player Matchups
White Sox: Munetaka Murakami (1B, recent HR power), Luis Robert Jr. (CF, speed/power), and emerging bats — Murakami’s hot streak and Robert’s athleticism could test Griffin’s command in the middle innings.
Nationals: CJ Abrams (SS), James Wood (OF), and young core contributors — Washington’s speed and contact approach faces Burke’s elevated ERA; road platoon edges favor the visitors’ opportunistic lineup.
Lineups expected ~1 hour before first pitch on MLB.com; both teams emphasize youth, athleticism, and power/speed mixes.
Injury Report
Nationals: Cole Henry (RP, 15-day IL — shoulder), Josiah Gray (SP, 60-day IL — elbow), DJ Herz (SP, 60-day IL — elbow), Ken Waldichuk (RP, 60-day IL — forearm), Trevor Williams (SP, elbow). Joan Adon (RP) was recently OUT (day-to-day). Rotation and bullpen depth tested but position players largely intact.
White Sox: Austin Hays (OF, 10-day IL — hamstring), Chris Murphy (RP, 15-day IL — elbow), Jonathan Cannon (SP, 15-day IL — hip), Drew Thorpe (SP, 15-day IL — elbow), Kyle Teel (C, 10-day IL — hamstring), Brooks Baldwin (INF, 60-day IL — elbow), Mike Vasil (RP, 60-day IL — elbow), Ky Bush (SP, 60-day IL — elbow). Significant pitching and depth attrition.
Series History
Interleague matchups have been competitive historically, with slight edges varying by venue. In 2026, this series has featured close, high-variance games (one win each so far, including extra innings). Rate Field has played neutral-to-slightly pitcher-friendly early season, with totals splitting in recent head-to-heads.
Weather Updates
Gametime forecast at Rate Field: 58-59°F, 4% chance of precipitation, winds west 8-9 mph (left-to-right). Mild, mostly clear early-spring conditions with light winds that should have minimal impact on fly balls or base-running. Comfortable for fans and no delays expected.
Betting Trends
White Sox 3-2 ATS in last 5 and solid as home favorites; totals have gone OVER in 7 of Nationals’ last 10 and frequently in their road games. Nationals 9-6 on the road but 3-6 SU in recent similar spots. White Sox have covered in several home interleague games; series totals lean toward overs in high-variance affairs.
Game Odds
Washington Nationals 7.5
Chicago White Sox – 122
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 25, 2026
