Overview
- The Marlins lead the series 1-0 and will host Game 2 at loanDepot Park at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.
- Eury Pérez is the probable starter for Miami (6-9, 3.23 ERA, 133 strikeouts) while Jake Irvin is listed for Washington (2-7, 5.80 ERA).
- Miami enters 65-64 with a 39-25 home record and a top-10 team ERA, advantages that underline why bookmakers list Miami as the favorite.
- Washington is 61-69, has lost eight of its last 10 games and carries many players on the injured list with shortstop CJ Abrams day-to-day with an ankle issue.
- The Nationals lead MLB in home runs this season, so a productive return by Abrams or a sustained long-ball outburst could quickly shift the game dynamic.