The Washington Nationals return to Nationals Park on July 22, 2025, looking to even their series against the Cincinnati Reds and bounce back after a tough 10–8 loss in the previous matchup. Despite being in the midst of a transitional season, the Nationals have shown flashes of competitiveness thanks to an emerging young core, and they’ll be eager to prove they can hang with mid-tier playoff hopefuls like the Reds. The Nationals are expected to start Brad Lord, a young right-hander who made his major league debut this season and has struggled with command and early-inning efficiency but has shown glimpses of potential through his fastball/changeup combination. Backing Lord is a bullpen that has had its moments, though inconsistency continues to plague the middle-relief group. Offensively, Washington continues to rely on veterans like Joey Meneses and Jesse Winker for experience and clutch hitting while banking on the development of CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz, both of whom have taken on larger offensive responsibilities this season. Abrams has particularly excelled in the leadoff spot, using his speed and improved plate discipline to set the tone for the offense, while Ruiz has added timely power to the heart of the order. The Nationals’ lineup doesn’t have the same home-run threat as other NL teams, but they’ve become adept at stringing together hits, utilizing hit-and-run tactics, and taking extra bases to keep pressure on opposing pitchers.

Defensively, Washington has improved over the last month, cutting down on errors and making more efficient plays in the infield, though their outfield range remains a concern against teams like Cincinnati that put a lot of balls in play. The team’s performance at home against the spread has been modest but slightly better than their road ATS record, signaling a marginal home-field confidence boost. In games following losses, the Nationals have generally responded with tighter, more fundamentally sound efforts, which is something they’ll look to replicate after allowing 10 runs in Game 1. Manager Dave Martinez has continued to emphasize player development while still instilling a competitive culture, understanding that moral victories alone won’t sustain fan engagement or player morale. The matchup against the Reds poses an opportunity to challenge their young pitchers and push their contact-driven offense to capitalize against a Cincinnati bullpen that has proven vulnerable in recent weeks. A key for Washington will be limiting the impact of Reds’ speedsters like Elly De La Cruz, who wreak havoc on the basepaths and turn singles into immediate scoring threats. If the Nationals can get five stable innings out of Lord and avoid early deficits, their offense is capable of manufacturing runs and keeping things competitive into the late frames. A win here would not only even the series but also give their young core a tangible confidence boost as they continue to forge an identity for the future. With the All-Star break in the rearview and the trade deadline approaching, every performance now carries added weight—not just in the standings, but in shaping what direction the franchise takes over the next few seasons.