The Washington Nationals travel to Citizens Bank Park on Monday, August 3 for a 6:40 PM ET matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies. Aaron Nola gets the ball for Philadelphia in what shapes up as a stiff challenge for Washington's lineup. The Nationals have yet to name a starter for this one, which is a storyline worth watching as first pitch approaches. For a Nationals club working to prove itself in the NL East, a road game against a Phillies squad that fields Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber is about as real a test as it gets.

Pitching Matchup: Nola Anchors Philadelphia's Start

Aaron Nola is on the bump for the Phillies, and that alone demands respect from Washington's hitters. Nola is one of the more consistent starters in the National League — a pitcher who lives in the zone, commands multiple pitches, and punishes any lineup that doesn't come ready to compete for nine innings. The Nationals will need disciplined at-bats and runners on base to do any damage against him.

Washington's starter has not been announced. That uncertainty matters. How manager Dave Martinez fills that role — whether it's an established rotation piece or a bullpen game — will shape how the Nationals approach their defensive plan for the evening.

Philadelphia Lineup the Nationals Must Navigate

The Phillies are sending a loaded lineup to the plate. Trea Turner leads off at shortstop, followed by Kyle Schwarber in the DH spot. Then comes Bryce Harper at first base — yes, that Bryce Harper, the face of D.C. baseball for years before signing in Philadelphia. Harper hitting third for the Phillies is a reminder of what Washington once had and what the organization is still working to rebuild around.

• Trea Turner (SS) — Leadoff, speed and on-base skills set the table
• Kyle Schwarber (DH) — Power threat early in the order
• Bryce Harper (1B) — The marquee name in the heart of the lineup
• Alec Bohm (3B) — RBI bat in the cleanup spot
• Bryan De La Cruz (RF) — Extra-base power in the middle of the order
• Bryson Stott (2B), Edmundo Sosa (LF), Derek Hill (CF), Garrett Stubbs (C) — A back-end of the order that can still do damage

Keys to Watch for Washington

First, the Nationals need whoever takes the ball to limit the Phillies' top of the order. Turner and Schwarber can manufacture runs quickly, and Harper punishes any mistake in the zone. Washington's pitcher — announced or otherwise — cannot afford to fall behind in counts against this group.

Second, the Nationals' offense has to be willing to grind against Nola. He is not the type of starter you beat with three-run swings alone. Working counts, taking walks, and stringing together contact will matter more here than raw power.

Third, watch the bullpen management late. If Washington is within striking distance through six innings, how Martinez deploys his relievers in the seventh through ninth could decide the game.

Prediction

Nola's presence and the strength of Philadelphia's lineup make this a tough road assignment. Without a confirmed starter, the Nationals face an uphill climb from the first inning. The edge goes to the Phillies here, but Washington has the talent to keep it competitive. Look for a close game that stays within two runs into the late innings — though Philadelphia's firepower gives them the advantage to close it out. Phillies 5, Nationals 3.

Catch the game on Nationals.TV or WJFK 106.7 The Fan in the Washington market. Philadelphia fans can tune into NBCSP or 94 WIP.