The Washington Nationals wrap up their Sunday afternoon slate at Nationals Park on July 26, 2026, hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks at 1:35 PM ET. Miles Mikolas gets the ball for Washington against Arizona's Kohl Drake in a matchup that pits two different roster philosophies against each other — the Nationals' youth-heavy core against a Diamondbacks lineup loaded with veteran presence. With the dog days of summer in full swing, every home date at Nationals Park carries weight for a franchise building toward something real.

Pitching Matchup: Miles Mikolas vs. Kohl Drake

Mikolas brings a veteran's approach to the rubber for the Nationals. A right-hander who has logged significant major league innings throughout his career, Mikolas is the kind of starter who attacks the zone, works efficiently, and doesn't beat himself with walks. For a young Washington club still developing its identity, his composure on the mound sets a tone.

Drake draws the assignment for Arizona. A less established name at the big league level, Drake will need to navigate what projects as one of the more exciting young lineups in baseball. If the Nationals' bats are clicking, a starter without a proven track record can be a real opportunity for this offense to do damage early.

Washington Nationals Starting Lineup

• 1. James Wood, RF
• 2. Andrés Chaparro, DH
• 3. Dylan Crews, LF
• 4. CJ Abrams, SS
• 5. Brady House, 3B
• 6. Jacob Young, CF
• 7. Harry Ford, C
• 8. Luis García Jr., 1B
• 9. Nasim Nuñez, 2B

Arizona Diamondbacks Starting Lineup

• 1. Corbin Carroll, RF
• 2. Geraldo Perdomo, SS
• 3. Gabriel Moreno, C
• 4. Ketel Marte, 2B
• 5. Max Kepler, LF
• 6. Nolan Arenado, 3B
• 7. Adrian Del Castillo, DH
• 8. Tyler Locklear, 1B
• 9. Tim Tawa, CF

Keys to Watch for the Nationals

James Wood Sets the Table

Wood leads off and remains one of the most compelling young players in Washington's lineup. His ability to get on base and create early pressure against a starter like Drake — who may not have seen this lineup frequently — is critical. If Wood is on base in the first inning, this offense has a chance to put Arizona in a hole before the game settles in.

CJ Abrams Hitting Fourth

Batting Abrams cleanup signals the trust the organization has placed in the 24-year-old shortstop. With Wood, Chaparro, and Crews potentially on base ahead of him, Abrams in the middle of the order gives Washington legitimate run-scoring upside. His plate discipline and athleticism make him a difficult out regardless of the situation.

Mikolas Keeping Arizona's Veterans Quiet

Nolan Arenado and Ketel Marte are the kinds of hitters who punish mistakes. Mikolas will need to work carefully to those two in particular. His pitch-to-contact style can be effective, but Arizona's veteran middle of the order has the experience to make him pay if he leaves anything over the heart of the plate.

Brady House and the Bottom Half

House at fifth, Young at sixth, and Ford at seventh represent an intriguing stretch of the lineup. Young's speed and House's developing power give Mikolas a cushion if he can keep this game close through the middle innings. The bottom of this order has the potential to surprise.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Washington at home. Mikolas gives the Nationals length and consistency, and Drake is an unknown quantity who hasn't established himself as a stopper at the major league level. The Nationals' lineup, particularly the 1-through-4 combination of Wood, Chaparro, Crews, and Abrams, has enough firepower to generate runs against a pitcher feeling his way through a tough environment. Nationals Park should be rocking on a Sunday afternoon. Give the edge to Washington, 5-3.