The Washington Nationals host the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park on Tuesday, August 11, with first pitch set for 6:45 PM ET. Shota Imanaga gets the ball for Chicago, giving the Nats a left-handed starter to solve on a summer evening in Southeast D.C. Washington has not announced a probable pitcher for this one, which adds a layer of intrigue to an otherwise straightforward home matchup. Catch the game on Nationals.TV or tune in locally on WJFK 106.7 The Fan.

Shota Imanaga Starts for Chicago — Washington's Lineup Must Respond

Imanaga has established himself as one of the more dangerous left-handed starters in the National League, and he figures to be a real test for a Nationals lineup that skews young. The Nats will need their hitters to stay disciplined and work counts if they want to get deep into Chicago's bullpen. Washington's starting pitcher situation is worth monitoring — the club has not publicly confirmed a starter for this game, so expect updates as first pitch approaches.

Washington Nationals Starting Lineup

• 1. Dylan Crews — RF
• 2. Andrés Chaparro — 1B
• 3. Brady House — 3B
• 4. CJ Abrams — SS
• 5. Harry Ford — C
• 6. Jacob Young — CF
• 7. Daylen Lile — DH
• 8. Nasim Nuñez — 2B
• 9. Andrew Pinckney — LF

Keys to Watch

CJ Abrams Batting Cleanup

Slotting Abrams fourth is a statement. The shortstop is the engine of this offense, and if Crews and Chaparro can set the table in front of him, Washington has a genuine threat at the plate when it counts most. Abrams hitting cleanup signals that the club is leaning on its most dynamic offensive player in a high-leverage spot.

Brady House in the Three-Hole

House batting third tells you what the organization thinks of his ceiling. The third baseman has real power potential, and facing a left-hander like Imanaga is a test of whether he can handle quality spin. Keep an eye on House's approach early in the count.

Dylan Crews Leads Off

Crews back at the top of the order is where this lineup breathes. His ability to get on base sets everything in motion. If he's working deep counts against Imanaga in the first inning, it can pay dividends deep into the night.

Harry Ford Behind the Dish

Ford catching and batting fifth is notable for a young catcher. His development as both a receiver and a hitter is one of the more interesting storylines of this season. How he handles Imanaga and manages Washington's pitching staff will be worth watching closely.

Prediction

Imanaga is a legitimate challenge, but Washington's lineup has enough youth and upside to make things uncomfortable. Without a confirmed starter on the mound for the Nats, this game leans toward Chicago early. Still, if Abrams and House show up in the middle of the order, Washington has the pieces to steal this one at home. Call it a 4-3 Cubs edge, but don't be surprised if the Nats make it interesting late at Nationals Park.