The Washington Nationals head to Truist Park on Friday, July 31 for a 7:15 PM ET divisional showdown against the Atlanta Braves. Foster Griffin gets the start for Washington against Atlanta's Bryce Elder in what shapes up as an intriguing NL East clash. With the division race always carrying weight in late July, every game against a division rival matters — and this one is no exception for a Nationals club looking to prove itself against one of the conference's most established franchises.
Probable Pitchers: Foster Griffin vs. Bryce Elder
Foster Griffin draws the assignment for Washington on Friday. The left-hander has been part of the Nationals' pitching mix and gets a high-profile opportunity here, stepping into a road start against a Braves lineup that can do serious damage against any pitcher on any given night. How Griffin manages the zone and sequences his pitches against Atlanta's hitters will be the central storyline of this game.
On the other side, Bryce Elder takes the mound for Atlanta. Elder has shown the ability to generate weak contact and work deep into games, making him a genuine challenge for a Nationals offense that will need to be disciplined and patient to get to him. Grinding out at-bats and forcing Elder to work counts should be Washington's offensive blueprint heading into Friday.
Keys to Watch for the Nationals
- Griffin's command: Road starts at Truist Park demand precision. If Griffin can keep the ball in the zone and limit free passes, the Nationals give themselves a legitimate chance to keep this game close.
- Offensive patience: Elder can be hittable when batters work the count. Washington needs to resist chasing early and look to do damage when they get pitches to hit.
- Bullpen management: Depending on how long Griffin goes, the Nationals' relief corps will need to be sharp. Protecting a lead — or mounting a comeback — through the Atlanta lineup's depth requires smart, decisive bullpen deployment.
- Capitalizing on Braves mistakes: Atlanta is a disciplined team at home, but any lapse — a misplayed ball, a wild pitch, a hit batsman in a big spot — needs to be punished immediately by a Nationals lineup that cannot afford to leave runs on the base paths.
Prediction
This is a tough road assignment for Washington. Truist Park is a difficult environment, and Elder gives Atlanta a solid foundation at home. But Griffin is capable of keeping the Nats in the ball game, and if Washington's offense stays disciplined and manufactures runs early, this has the makings of a competitive game into the late innings. Expect a close contest, with the Braves ultimately pulling it out in a 4-2 final — but the Nationals will make them earn it.
Catch the action on Nationals.TV, Fox 5 WTTG, or listen on 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan and WJFK 106.7 The Fan. Spanish-language coverage is available on La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM. First pitch is set for 7:15 PM ET.
