The Washington Nationals wrap up their road trip with a Sunday afternoon contest against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park, first pitch set for 1:40 PM ET on August 23, 2026. Jackson Kent takes the ball for Washington against Miami's Janson Junk in what amounts to a developmental showcase on both sides. With the NL East race in play and roster evaluation a constant theme down the stretch of the regular season, every game carries real stakes for a Nationals club still shaping its identity.

Pitching Matchup: Jackson Kent vs. Janson Junk

Jackson Kent draws the start for the Nationals, continuing what has been a season of opportunity for younger arms in Washington's rotation. There's no padding this with numbers that aren't available — specific ERA and win-loss figures for Kent weren't confirmed heading into this game — but the assignment itself says something. The Nationals are invested in seeing what Kent can do against a major league lineup, and Sunday's matinee is a legitimate audition.

Miami counters with Janson Junk, a veteran arm who has navigated the fringes of big league rotations and brings a craftiness that younger lineups can struggle to decode early. The Marlins' lineup leans on Otto Lopez leading off at shortstop, with Agustín Ramírez at DH and Xavier Edwards protecting the cleanup spot at second base. It's a young, contact-oriented group that can manufacture runs even without big offensive names.

Washington Nationals Lineup at Miami

• Daylen Lile, LF
• Abimelec Ortiz, DH
• Dylan Crews, RF
• Keibert Ruiz, C
• José Tena, 2B
• Jorbit Vivas, 3B
• Andrés Chaparro, 1B
• Nasim Nuñez, SS
• Jacob Young, CF

Keys to Watch in Sunday's Game

Dylan Crews in the Middle of the Order

Crews hitting third is the most significant lineup detail for Nationals fans to track. The outfield prospect slotted into a premium spot in the batting order signals that Washington's front office wants to see him handle that kind of responsibility against live competition. How he fares against Junk's mix will be worth watching every at-bat.

Keibert Ruiz Anchoring the Four-Hole

Ruiz catching and batting cleanup is a sensible configuration. He is the lineup's most proven run producer in this group, and Washington needs him to drive in traffic generated by Crews and the top of the order. A strong afternoon from Ruiz could be the difference.

Kent's Command and Pitch Mix

Against a Marlins lineup that will make contact and put pressure on the defense, Kent's ability to work ahead in counts is critical. Miami's Otto Lopez and Esteury Ruiz in center can create havoc on the bases if they reach, so limiting free passes has to be the priority from the first inning.

Nasim Nuñez at Shortstop

Nuñez batting eighth gives the Nationals a live threat at the bottom of the order ahead of Jacob Young. His speed and on-base skills could turn the lineup over in big spots, especially in a ballpark where gaps in the outfield play generously.

Prediction

This one figures to be a grind. Two teams with developing rosters, two pitchers with something to prove, and a Sunday afternoon crowd in Miami that won't generate much external pressure. The Nationals have enough lineup depth — particularly with Crews and Ruiz in the heart of the order — to scratch out runs against Junk if they're patient. Kent needs to keep the ball in the park and trust his defense. Nationals 4, Marlins 2. Washington takes the series finale and heads home with a positive road trip result.

Catch the action on Nationals.TV or listen on WJFK 106.7 The Fan. First pitch from loanDepot park is at 1:40 PM ET.