Nationals face Rays in critical matchup over weekend series
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 8:15 PM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
The Washington Nationals continue their playoff push against the Tampa Bay Rays this weekend in Florida. Entering the series, the Nationals hold the final Wild Card spot, just 1.0 game behind the second-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. After winning four straight series, they hope to capitalize on the Rays' struggles, who have lost five of their last six games. Game one is set for Friday night, with PJ Poulin stepping in as the starter due to Cade Cavalli's illness. The Rays have yet to announce a starter for Saturday's game, likely leaning on their bullpen.
- •Nationals are on an 8-4 run entering the series.
- •Rays currently occupy the top Wild Card spot at 41-30.
- •Game one starts Friday at 7:10 PM EST.
- •PJ Poulin will start for Washington in game one.
- •Miles Mikolas is scheduled to pitch for the Nationals in game two.
- 8:15 PMYahoo Sports — Red-hot Nats chasing down Phillies in weekend series in Tampa Bay
"The Nationals continue their playoff hunt against a top American League opponent
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