Chicago Cubs @ Washington Nationals – Series Preview (August 15-18): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs took two of three from the Reds this past weekend, including the Field of Dreams game in Iowa, to give them wins in 13 of their last 22 games. Now they go to Washington DC for three games with the Nationals.
Chicago just took two of three from the Nats at Wrigley Field last week and should be able to do more of the same this time. Washington is not very good in just about every aspect of the game and is well ahead in the race for the worst record in baseball. I would point out some dangerous bats in the lineup, but there really aren’t any other than maybe Luke Voit.
One bright spot on the pitching side is former Cub Carl Edwards Jr., who has emerged as a solid bullpen piece. Patrick Corbin, signed to a massive contract in 2019, has been a complete disaster in 2022.
The Cubs have been playing better in the second half with a 12-9 record and this series is an excellent chance to improve on that. David Ross has a pretty sizable group of intriguing young-ish players that he can give playing time to see who can emerge for 2023. The Nationals provide an excellent chance to get right, hopefully, some of these young prospects can do just that.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, August 15 at 6:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network.
- Tuesday, August 16 at 6:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network.
- Wednesday, August 17 at 12:05pm CT on MLB Network (out-of-market only) and Marquee Sports Network.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 8/15 | Marcus Stroman | 31 | R | 4.20 | 3-5 | 3.97 | 3.70 |
| Josiah Gray | 24 | R | 4.81 | 7-8 | 5.60 | 2.76 | |
| 8/16 | Justin Steele | 27 | L | 3.63 | 4-7 | 3.29 | 2.47 |
| Patrick Corbin | 33 | R | 7.02 | 4-16 | 4.97 | 2.55 | |
| 8/17 | Drew Smyly | 33 | L | 3.69 | 5-6 | 4.27 | 3.59 |
| Cory Abbott | 26 | R | 5.94 | 0-2 | 7.44 | 1.45 |
What to Watch For
- Ian Happ got on base six times against his favorite opponent in Cincy and looks locked in.
- Steele may have to worry about fatigue as he is on pace to throw the most innings he ever has in a single season.
- Nick Madrigal is 7-for-16 with three walks in his last five games.