Nats play host to Minnesota Twins in midweek matchup
The Washington Nationals take on a middling Twins team for their second AL central series of the year
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 03: Nasim Nuñez #26 of the Washington Nationals drives in a run with a single in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park on May 03, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Nats are coming off a quiet offensive series against the Milwaukee Brewers, scoring just 4 runs in 3 games. After 2 straight losses, a strong pitching performance from Zack Littell held down the fort for a gritty 3-2 victory in the finale.
Washington has kept themself in striking range of . 500, and has another chance to even up their record against Minnesota. The Twins find themself in the same boat regarding their most recent 3-game set, dropping the first 2 games to the Toronto Blue Jays and grinding out a 4-3 win to salvage the series.
Their bullpen was taxed with short outings from their starters and an injury scare from Joe Ryan, putting some added pressure on their rotation to hold down a streaky Nationals’ lineup. Game One – Tuesday 6:45 PM EST WSH: RHP Cade Cavalli (1-1, 3. 82 ERA) MIN: RHP Taj Bradley (3-1, 2.
85 ERA) Amid the staff-wide pitching struggles the Nats have dealt with, Cavalli has emerged as the main story and star through 7 starts. He’s strung together 3 consecutive solid outings, and his stuff has ticked up in a major way. The 27-year-old looks to be putting it all together after a long road to get to big league success, and has the chance to continue his push to enter the same echelon of the top starters in the National League.