The Washington Nationals return to Nationals Park on Monday, August 24 for a 6:45 PM ET regular season matchup against the Colorado Rockies. Cade Cavalli gets the ball for Washington, squaring off against Colorado right-hander Ryan Feltner in what shapes up as a pitching-focused affair between two clubs looking to make their mark in the second half. Fans can catch the action on Nationals.TV or listen along on WJFK 106.7 The Fan.
Nationals vs. Rockies Starting Pitchers: Cavalli and Feltner Take the Mound
Cade Cavalli has been one of the more intriguing arms in Washington's rotation. The hard-throwing right-hander has shown the kind of electric stuff that made him a top prospect, and Monday night is another opportunity to build on that body of work in front of a home crowd. His ability to miss bats and generate weak contact will be central to how this game unfolds.
Ryan Feltner gets the nod for Colorado. The Rockies right-hander has logged significant major league innings and brings a mix that can keep hitters off balance when he is locating his fastball. Washington's lineup will need to work counts early and look to do damage when Feltner leaves pitches in the zone.
Keys to Watch in Monday's Nationals-Rockies Game
- Cavalli's command: When Cavalli pounds the strike zone and avoids deep counts, he can be difficult to square up. Any stretch where he is walking batters or falling behind hitters will put the Nationals defense in tough spots.
- Washington's lineup against a right-hander: Feltner gives Washington a chance to work the lineup against same-handed pitching. How the Nationals sequence their at-bats and move runners in the middle innings could decide the margin.
- Bullpen management: In late August, every game carries roster implications. How both managers deploy their relievers — and when they pull their starters — will be worth tracking closely.
- Nationals Park atmosphere: A Monday night home date gives Washington a chance to feed off the crowd. The Nationals have shown they can play well in front of their fans, and a strong start from Cavalli would get Nationals Park buzzing early.
Prediction
This one figures to be a low-scoring game driven by the starters. Cavalli's upside is real, and pitching at Nationals Park with a full rest should have him sharp. Give the edge to Washington in a close contest, 4-2, with Cavalli turning in six solid innings and the bullpen closing it out.
