The Washington Nationals return to Nationals Park on Tuesday, August 25 to open a home series against the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch set for 6:45 PM ET. Andrew Alvarez gets the ball for Washington, while Colorado has yet to name a starter. The Nationals roll out a lineup loaded with young talent — CJ Abrams, Dylan Crews, Daylen Lile, and Brady House among them — making this a useful measuring-stick opportunity against a Rockies club that has long been one of the National League's most rebuilding franchises. Tune in on Nationals.TV or catch the radio call on WJFK 106.7 The Fan.

Andrew Alvarez Starts for Washington Against Colorado

Alvarez draws the assignment in what shapes up as an opportunity for the left-hander to build on his development this season. Specific ERA and win-loss figures are not yet available for this start, so his outing will speak for itself when the first pitch crosses the plate. What matters is that the Nationals trust him enough to hand him a home start, and that carries weight in this organization's pitching plan.

Colorado has not announced a starter as of this writing, which adds a layer of uncertainty to how Washington's lineup should approach the game. The Nationals will need to stay disciplined at the plate regardless of who comes out of the Rockies' bullpen or rotation.

Washington Nationals Starting Lineup

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

Keys to Watch in Nationals vs. Rockies

Alvarez's Command Early

If Alvarez can work efficiently through the first three innings and limit walks, Washington has a real chance to keep the bullpen fresh and grind out a complete-game effort from the staff. Any early trouble will put pressure on a relief corps that has carried a heavy workload this season.

The Middle of the Order

Crews, Lile, and House batting third through fifth is a young core that has to produce. This is a lineup built on upside, and games against a Rockies pitching staff that has struggled historically to miss bats are exactly the kind of opportunities these hitters need to capitalize on. Seeing how Crews handles a full game at the heart of the order will be worth your attention.

Abrams Sets the Tone at the Top

With Abrams leading off from the DH spot, Washington wants him on base early and often. His ability to get into scoring position for Ortiz and Crews is central to how this offense generates runs. A productive night from Abrams can unlock the entire lineup.

Prediction

This is a winnable game at Nationals Park. Alvarez has the opportunity to deliver a quality start against an opponent that does not project as an offensive powerhouse. The young Washington lineup should be able to generate enough offense, particularly if the middle of the order gets going. Nationals win, 5-3.