Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, New York.
First pitch: 4:10 p.m. ET.
TV: Fox Sports 1, SNY, and Nationals.TV (streaming via Fubo).
This is Game 2 of a three-game NL East series. The Mets took the opener 4-1 on Friday behind home runs from Francisco Lindor and Jared Young, plus an RBI single from Carson Benge. Kodai Senga earned the save. The season series is tied 4-4 heading into Saturday (ninth meeting overall). Both teams sit near the bottom of the NL East, with the Nationals fourth and the Mets fifth.
Starting Pitchers
Nationals: RHP Brad Lord (5-2, 3.79 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 61.2 IP, 56 K, 21 BB in 29 appearances/2 starts). Primarily a multi-inning reliever this season who is being stretched back into a starting role after earlier IL time (side tightness). Recent outing: 2.2 IP, 1 ER vs. Reds. Limited pitch counts expected as he builds up; possible piggyback with long relief. Career vs. Mets limited.
Mets: LHP Sean Manaea (4-5, 4.13 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 104.2 IP, 106 K, 35 BB in 25 appearances/11 starts). Solid midseason turnaround after early struggles; recent form includes a strong 7 IP, 1 ER, 11 K vs. Pirates. Better as a starter lately (around 3.50 ERA in starts). Career vs. Nationals: mixed (1-3, higher ERA in prior H2H).
Manaea has the edge in recent starter volume and strikeout ability, while Lord offers solid relief-to-start numbers but with workload questions.
Probable/Approximate Key Roster Notes
Nationals (key contributors): CJ Abrams (high AVG, power, speed; shifting toward primary 2B), Brady House, Dylan Crews, Andres Chaparro, Jacob Young, Daylen Lile, Nasim Nuñez (SS), others. Strong team power (league-leading 177 HR) and run production (~5.3 RPG).
Mets (key contributors from projected/recent): Francisco Lindor (SS, recent HR), Bo Bichette (3B), Carson Benge (RF, hot recently), Jared Young (1B, recent HR), Marcus Semien (2B), Brett Baty (LF), Jorge Polanco (DH), Francisco Alvarez (C), A.J. Ewing (CF). Lower team AVG but capable of timely power.
Exact lineups TBA closer to first pitch; Abrams’ positional shift noted.
Injury Reports
Nationals: James Wood (10-day IL, oblique), Drew Millas (10-day, finger), Connelly Early (15-day, elbow), Josiah Gray (60-day, elbow), DJ Herz (60-day, elbow), Ken Waldichuk (60-day, forearm), Richard Lovelady (60-day, tricep), Mitchell Parker (60-day, elbow), PJ Poulin (60-day, flexor). Significant pitching and outfield depth issues.
Mets: Mark Vientos (10-day IL, hand), Juan Soto (10-day, calf; working toward return), Austin Warren (15-day, forearm), Cionel Perez (15-day, forearm), Devin Williams (15-day, shoulder), Tylor Megill (60-day, elbow), Justin Hagenman (60-day, rib), Reed Garrett (60-day, elbow). Key absences in lineup and bullpen.
Weather Forecast
Citi Field: Mostly sunny to sunny, highs around 81–86°F, low humidity early, light winds (N/NE ~3–7 mph). Comfortable afternoon conditions with minimal precipitation chance during the game window. Favorable for play; slight pitcher-friendly potential with light winds.
Recent Team Forms
Nationals: 5-5 last 10; mixed results with strong power but inconsistent pitching (team ERA ~4.72). Solid road record (33-28). Lost Friday after a prior win.
Mets: 7-3 last 10; better recent form since the trade deadline, with improved pitching and timely hitting. Home record 26-34. Snapped a short skid with Friday’s win.
Series History (2026)
Tied 4-4 overall this season entering the series; Mets lead this set 1-0 after Friday. Competitive NL East matchups throughout the year.
Key Player vs. Player / Matchup Notes
Lord (RHP, solid command in limited starter looks) vs. Mets order (Lindor power/contact, Bichette consistency, Benge/Young recent hot streaks, Semien experience): Mets’ lefty-heavy or switch-hitting elements could test Lord; his ground-ball tendencies may help limit damage.
Manaea (LHP, recent high-K, low-run outings) vs. Nationals bats (Abrams speed/power, House, Crews, Chaparro): Nationals’ right-handed power (league-leading HR totals) poses a challenge to the lefty, but Manaea’s improved form and strikeout rate give him tools to navigate. Prior H2H samples mixed.
Broader: Nationals’ speed (high SB totals) and power vs. Mets’ improved recent pitching/defense. Bullpen depth (both sides depleted by injuries) and small-ball/execution could decide a close game. Abrams’ positional flexibility and Lindor’s all-around impact are key storylines.
Betting Trends
Mets’ recent form and home edge vs. Nationals’ power and road success. Manaea’s starter turnaround favors New York; Lord’s limited starter experience adds variance. Unders have shown value in some recent H2H and with these pitchers’ profiles.
Game Odds
Washington Nationals 7.5
New York Mets – 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 14, 2026
