The Washington Nationals host the New York Yankees at Nationals Park on Saturday, July 11 at 4:05 PM ET, with right-hander Miles Mikolas taking the ball for Washington against Yankees starter Cam Schlittler. It is a marquee mid-July matchup that gives the Nationals a chance to measure themselves against one of the American League's more seasoned rosters, with both clubs sending out full lineups and plenty on the line heading into the second half of the 2026 season.

Nationals vs. Yankees Starting Pitchers: Mikolas Against Schlittler

Miles Mikolas draws the assignment for Washington. A veteran right-hander with well-documented command tendencies, Mikolas works quickly and attacks hitters with a varied arsenal. He is the kind of pitcher who gives a team a chance to stay in a ballgame regardless of run-support circumstances. His effectiveness hinges on keeping the ball in the zone and avoiding the walk that opens the door for a big inning.

Cam Schlittler gets the start for New York. The right-hander is less established at this level than Mikolas, which makes this a genuine opportunity for the Nationals' lineup to do some damage early. Getting into the Yankees bullpen before the fifth inning would be a win for Washington.

Washington Nationals Lineup

• 1. James Wood, RF
• 2. Luis García Jr., DH
• 3. Curtis Mead, 1B
• 4. CJ Abrams, SS
• 5. Daylen Lile, LF
• 6. Dylan Crews, CF
• 7. Jorbit Vivas, 3B
• 8. Drew Millas, C
• 9. Nasim Nuñez, 2B

New York Yankees Lineup

• 1. Amed Rosario, 3B
• 2. Ben Rice, DH
• 3. Trent Grisham, CF
• 4. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
• 5. Cody Bellinger, LF
• 6. Jasson Domínguez, RF
• 7. Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B
• 8. Anthony Volpe, SS
• 9. Ali Sánchez, C

Keys to Watch in This Game

James Wood at the Top of the Order

Washington puts its most dynamic young bat first, with James Wood leading off from right field. Wood sets the tone for everything that follows. If he gets on base and creates havoc early against Schlittler, the Nationals can build momentum and force New York to react. A quiet day from Wood makes life harder for the middle of the order.

CJ Abrams Batting Cleanup

Abrams hitting fourth is a statement of where this organization believes its shortstop stands right now. With Luis García Jr. and Curtis Mead hitting ahead of him, Abrams has real opportunities to drive in runs against a Yankees rotation that is not at full strength in this spot. His at-bats against Schlittler will be one of the central storylines of the afternoon.

Mikolas Handling a Veteran Yankees Lineup

The back half of New York's order — Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, Jasson Domínguez — is anything but soft. Goldschmidt and Bellinger in the middle bring legitimate power and contact ability. Mikolas will need his command to be sharp from the first inning. If he gets deep into this game — six-plus innings — he frees the Washington bullpen for a favorable situation.

Dylan Crews and Daylen Lile in the Six-Five Slots

Two of the organization's top prospects batting fifth and sixth is a real development marker. Lile at five and Crews at six get opportunities to produce against a starter in Schlittler who has not been tested at this level the way a veteran opponent would test them. Watch how both respond to that opportunity.

Prediction

This game comes down to whether Mikolas can navigate the Goldschmidt-Bellinger portion of New York's order while the Nationals offense makes Schlittler work. Washington's lineup has enough depth and youth to get to a less established starter. Give the edge to the Nationals at home, 4-2, with Mikolas delivering a quality start and the Wood-García-Abrams combination producing the decisive runs.

Coverage is available on Nationals.TV and YES Network on television, with radio on WJFK 106.7 The Fan locally. First pitch is 4:05 PM ET at Nationals Park.