First pitch: 1:40 p.m. ET
Venue: loanDepot park, Miami, Florida
TV: Marlins.TV / Nationals.TV (NATS)
This is the series finale of a three-game set at loanDepot park. The Marlins have swept the first two: a 3-2 walk-off win on Friday (Javier Sanoja’s bases-loaded single in the ninth) and a 4-2 victory on Saturday (solo homers from Heriberto Hernández and Jakob Marsee; Eury Pérez effective). Miami improved to 40-25 at home and sits just over .500 while chasing a wild-card spot; Washington continues to struggle.
Starting Pitchers
Washington: LHP Jackson Kent (0-1, 9.39 ERA, 2.48 WHIP in 7.2 IP across 2 starts). Recent call-up (MLB debut Aug. 12). Limited big-league sample shows high walk rate and vulnerability to hits/runs (5 ER in 3.2 IP last time out vs. Rangers). Strong minor-league numbers earlier in 2026, but still adjusting. Looking to settle in for a longer outing.
Miami: RHP Janson Junk (6-8, 4.37 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 66 K in 92.2 IP). Veteran starter with better results at home (around 3.83 ERA in home starts). Recent form includes several outings of two or fewer runs allowed. Solid command overall; faces a Nationals lineup that has historically given him some trouble in limited prior matchups.
Current Rosters / Key Players
Nationals key contributors: CJ Abrams (SS, day-to-day ankle but high average/power leader when healthy—~ .279, 29 HR, 91 RBI range), Dylan Crews (OF, recent RBI double), Daylen Lile (OF), Brady House (IF), Abimelec Ortiz (IF), José Tena (DH/IF), Jacob Young (OF), Nasim Nuñez (IF, speed), Keibert Ruiz (C when available), Andrew Pinckney. Power potential present despite absences.
Marlins key contributors: Otto Lopez (IF, high average ~.307, multi-hit contributions), Heriberto Hernández (OF, recent HR), Jakob Marsee (OF, recent HR and triple), Griffin Conine (OF), Owen Caissie (OF), Agustín Ramírez/Joe Mack (C), Xavier Edwards (IF), Javier Sanoja (IF, clutch hit Friday), Esteury Ruiz. Contact and opportunistic power at home.
Injury Reports
Nationals: CJ Abrams (day-to-day, ankle—missed Saturday, possible return Sunday); James Wood (10-day IL, oblique); Drew Millas (10-day IL, finger); Richard Lovelady (60-day IL, triceps); Josiah Gray (60-day IL, elbow); plus longer-term pitching absences (DJ Herz, Mitchell Parker, Ken Waldichuk, etc.).
Marlins: Kyle Stowers (10-day IL, hamstring—progressing toward possible late-August return); Anthony Bender (15-day IL, shin); Max Meyer (15-day IL, neck); Ronny Henriquez, Adam Mazur, and others on 60-day IL (elbows). Core lineup largely intact.
Weather Forecast (loanDepot park / Miami)
Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon showers/thunderstorms (around 40-50%). Highs in the lower 90s°F (heat index potentially 100–105°F), humid. South/southeast winds 5–10 mph. Retractable roof likely closed or managed for comfort; outdoor conditions hot and sticky if open. Minimal expected impact beyond possible brief delays.
Recent Team Forms
Marlins (66-64, 3rd NL East): Won first two of this series and sit just over .500. Strong at home (40-25). Pitching has been solid overall; offense opportunistic. Last 10 around 5-5.
Nationals (61-70, 4th NL East): Dropped the first two here and struggling recently (poor last 10, limited scoring in several games). Road form mixed; young talent developing but results lagging. Last 5 roughly 1-4.
Series History / Head-to-Head
Marlins lead the 2026 season series significantly (around 6-1 or better entering the weekend and now 2-0 in this set). Miami has dominated recent meetings, including a prior sweep. Division rivals produce competitive but often low-to-moderate scoring games.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Kent (LHP, high-walk tendency, limited experience) vs. Marlins contact/power mix (Lopez, Hernández, Marsee, Conine, Edwards). Walks or early traffic could quickly pressure Washington’s bullpen against a home lineup that capitalizes.
Junk (RHP, home-friendly) vs. Nationals righties and speed/power (Abrams if healthy, Crews, Lile, House, Tena). Junk’s recent ability to limit damage favors him; Nationals need to work counts and generate early offense.
Bullpens and late innings: Marlins showed resilience with the Friday walk-off and Saturday save (Calvin Faucher). Speed (Nuñez, Marsee) and power (Hernández, potential Abrams) can create chaos. loanDepot park’s dimensions favor contact over pure power at times.
Betting Trends
Marlins strong at home and as favorites against Washington; Nationals poor recently as road underdogs. Recent series games stayed relatively low-scoring. Home teams and better pitching matchups have held value.
Game Odds
Washington Nationals 8.5
Miami Marlins – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 22, 2026
