The Washington Nationals return to Nationals Park on Friday, August 7 for a 6:45 PM ET matchup against the Cincinnati Reds. Right-hander Cade Cavalli gets the start for Washington, while Cincinnati has yet to announce a probable pitcher. With the regular season well into its second half, every game carries real weight — and this one is a chance for the Nationals to build momentum in front of their home crowd. Catch the action locally on Fox 5 WTTG and Nationals.TV, or tune into WJFK 106.7 The Fan for radio coverage.

Cade Cavalli Starts for Washington Against Cincinnati

Cavalli is the story on the pitching side. The young right-hander has faced a winding road to consistency, and starts like Friday's at Nationals Park are the ones that define where he stands in Washington's long-term rotation picture. With Cincinnati's starter not yet announced, the Nationals will need to prep their lineup for a range of arm types — not an ideal situation, but nothing a well-constructed lineup can't handle.

Washington Nationals Lineup for August 7

Manager Dave Martinez has set a lineup loaded with young talent, and the order reflects the emerging core that Nationals fans have been waiting to see develop together at the big league level.

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

CJ Abrams leads off from the DH spot, putting one of the team's most dynamic offensive players at the top of the order. Abimelec Ortiz bats second at first base, while Brady House slots in at third in the order — a position that reflects the trust being placed in the young third baseman. Daylen Lile hitting cleanup is a notable feature of this card; the left fielder occupying the four-hole signals the staff's confidence in his run-producing ability. Dylan Crews rounds out the top five from right field, giving this lineup a legitimate one-through-five punch of young, developing talent.

Keys to Watch in Nationals vs. Reds

• Cavalli's command: How Cavalli manages his pitch count and keeps the Reds' lineup off-balance early will set the tone for the entire game. Quality innings from him keep the bullpen fresh.
• Abrams at the top: With Abrams leading off from the DH spot, watch how he works at-bats and sets the table for a lineup that can do damage if the top gets on base.
• The middle of the order: Lile and Crews batting fourth and fifth is a genuine test. If this young duo can produce with runners on base, it's a strong sign for the second half.
• Harry Ford behind the plate: Ford's ability to manage Cavalli's outing and handle the game-calling responsibilities is a subplot worth tracking as the young catcher continues to develop.

Prediction: Nationals 5, Reds 3

This is a winnable game at home, and the lineup has the pieces to do damage against an as-yet-unnamed Cincinnati starter. If Cavalli can give Washington five or six solid innings and the middle of the order delivers, the Nationals take care of business at Nationals Park. Advantage: Washington.