MLB Game Preview: Washington Nationals (5-8) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (8-5)

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First pitch is schedule for 7:10 p.m. ET
Coverage: MLB.TV / Brewers.TV / Nationals.TV

Game Context & Team Records

The Nationals head into American Family Field sitting at 5-8 (5th in the NL East, 4-3 on the road) after snapping a skid with a dramatic 7-3 comeback win over the Brewers on Friday night. Milwaukee sits atop the NL Central at 8-5 (5-2 at home) but has dropped three straight, including Friday’s late-inning collapse.

Both clubs are still shaking off the early-season rust, but the Brewers’ superior record and home dominance give them the edge on paper in this second game of a three-game set.

Weather Update

Game-time conditions at American Family Field will be cool and mostly dry:

Temperature: ~46°F (high near 50°F)

Winds: 8 mph (light, variable)

Humidity: ~56%

Precip probability: 20% (isolated showers possible but not expected to impact play)

Expect a crisp Midwest evening with dome-like conditions for hitters early before temperatures dip into the low 40s late. Wind should play neutral to slightly pitcher-friendly.

Injury Report

Washington Nationals (key absences):

SP Josiah Gray (60-day IL, expected return late May)

SP Trevor Williams (60-day IL, early June)

SP DJ Herz (60-day IL, July)

RP Jarlin Susana (60-day IL, July)

RP Joan Adon (day-to-day/out for April 11)

Milwaukee Brewers (key absences):

RP Thomas Pannone (7-day IL)

RP J.B. Bukauskas (7-day IL)

OF Akil Baddoo (60-day IL – quad)

Both bullpens are slightly thinned, which could matter in a close game.

Probable Pitchers & Key Player Matchups

Nationals: LHP Foster Griffin (1-0, 2.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 11 K in 10.0 IP)
Griffin has been efficient early, limiting hard contact. He’ll face a Brewers lineup that features:

Christian Yelich (.372 AVG, hot start, .413 OBP) – elite vs lefties historically.

Jake Bauers (recent power surge, 2 HR in series opener).

Speed threats like Jackson Chourio (if active) or Brice Turang on the bases.

Brewers: LHP Kyle Harrison (1-0, 2.61 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 14 K in 10.1 IP)
Harrison has been dominant, with elite strikeout stuff and low walks. He’ll duel a Nationals lineup paced by:

CJ Abrams (.311 AVG, .415 OBP, 4 HR) – dangerous switch-hitter.

James Wood (power/speed combo, multi-hit night Friday).

Jacob Young and Luis Garcia providing contact and gap power.

Edge: Harrison’s strikeout ability gives Milwaukee a slight pitching advantage, but Griffin’s command keeps Washington competitive.

Recent Team Forms

Brewers (8-5, L3): Strong 5-2 home start but cooling off after a West Coast/AL East road trip. They’ve struggled to close games lately, allowing late rallies (including Friday’s 4-run 9th). Offense still potent at 5.62 runs/game.

Nationals (5-8, W1): Bounced back from a rough stretch vs. St. Louis and L.A. with Friday’s resilient win. They’re scoring at 6.0 runs/game but pitching has been inconsistent (6.23 RA/G). The bullpen showed fight in the series opener.

Series History

2026 Season: Nationals lead this series 1-0 after Friday’s 7-3 victory.

Last 3 Seasons (incl. 2026): Brewers dominate 8-4.

All-Time: Milwaukee leads 99-84 (regular season). Brewers have owned the interleague matchup in recent years, especially at home.

Betting Trends

Brewers are 9-3 ATS early in 2026 and strong favorites at home (5-2). Nationals are 4-8 ATS overall but have covered in recent road games. Pitching duel suggests lean toward the under, though both lineups have shown pop.

Game Odds

Washington Nationals   8

Milwaukee Brewers       – 181

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026