Game 91: Pirates at Nats

The Nationals are sending Cade Cavalli to the mound in an attempt to win today's rubber game against Pittsburgh

It’s a scorching, hazy day here in the nation’s capital as the Nationals and Pirates wrap up their holiday weekend series. And it’s a rubber game today between the two NL wild-card contenders, leaving both teams motivated to chase a win this afternoon.

To that end, Cade Cavalli is actually starting for the Nats, not Miles Mikolas. Because of the off-day following the series in Boston, he’s on normal rest. And because the appeal of his seven-game suspension is still pending, he’s eligible to pitch now before likely being removed from the roster at some point in the near future. The same, by the way, applies to Mikolas, who could start Monday night against the Astros if his suspension hasn’t taken effect yet.

The Nationals are hoping for more of an offensive showing against right-hander Bubba Chandler than they got Saturday against Braxton Ashcraft. Chandler is a flamethrower who has battled command issues, as evidenced by his league-leading 48 walks issued in 85 2/3 innings this season. Suffice it to say, patience will be key from the Nats lineup.

There’s another new face in the bullpen today: Eddy Yean. The Nationals purchased the 25-year-old right-hander’s contract from Triple-A Rochester and will take a look at him in the coming days. And the surprising, corresponding move to clear a 40-man roster spot for Yean: Robert Hassell III was designated for assignment. Check back shortly for a full article on those transactions.

Final note: Today’s game is only available on Peacock. Dan Kolko has the play-by-play with former Pirates first baseman Kevin Young as the analyst and Alexa Datt serving as dugout reporter.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: Peacock
Radio: 106.7 FM
Weather: Hazy, 93 degrees, 3 mph right to left

PIRATES
SS Konnor Griffin
2B Brandon Lowe
DH Bryan Reynolds
RF Esmerlyn Vadez
1B Ryan O’Hearn
3B Nick Gonzales
C Endy Rodriguez
LF Tyler Callihan
CF Jake Mangum

RHP Bubba Chandler

NATIONALS
RF James Wood
1B Luis García Jr.
3B Curtis Mead
SS CJ Abrams
LF Daylen Lile
CF Dylan Crews
DH José Tena
2B Jorbit Vivas
C Keibert Ruiz

RHP Cade Cavalli