![](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AP26096858151467-480x320.jpg\"\/)
\n Washington Nationals’ James Wood singles during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Nick Wass)(AP\/Nick Wass)<\/p>\n
Nationals Notebook: The Nats heat up in Milwaukee, bats lead the bounce-back, and Washington rides momentum into Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
\n Washington Nationals’ James Wood singles during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Nick Wass)(AP\/Nick Wass)<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/AP26096858151467-780x520.jpg\"\/)
\n Washington Nationals’ James Wood singles during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Nick Wass)(AP\/Nick Wass)<\/p>\n
The Washington Nationals bounced back from a rough week by taking two of three from Milwaukee, outscoring the NL Central-leading Brewers by putting 18 runs on the board over the weekend.<\/p>\n
So far this season, they\u2019ve exceeded expectations at the plate, ranking third in the majors in runs scored after finishing 20th in that category last year. Now, if only they can fix a bullpen that\u2019s sprung plenty of leaks this season.<\/p>\n
Digesting the Division: Atlanta (10-6) owns the best run differential in the majors at plus-34 and is enjoying a breakout season spearheaded by Drake Baldwin (five homers and driving in 16-plus runs). Miami (8-8) is coming off a sweep at the hands of Detroit, while getting outscored 16-3. Philadelphia (7-8) is treading water, ranking 26th in runs scored and near the bottom in team ERA.<\/p>\n
Washington (7-8) exits the cellar because of the slumping New York Mets (7-9), who\u2019ve dropped consecutive series to Arizona and Sacramento. And yes, I know we\u2019ve been directed to call them \u201cThe Athletics,\u201d but they play in Sacramento for now. If MLB wanted it differently, the league should have had a smoother transition for the A\u2019s from Oakland to Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
Break Up the Birds: Baltimore (8-7) has moved into a tie for first place in the AL East after winning five of six games behind the bat of Gunnar Henderson (four homers). But for those looking forward to the team\u2019s first division game, the waiting continues, as the O\u2019s won\u2019t face an AL East foe until April 24 (Boston).<\/p>\n
Diamond King: James Wood has bounced back nicely after a slow start, batting .545 over the past week with three homers and eight RBIs, while scoring a team-high eight runs. And just like he\u2019s found a home in the leadoff spot, Wood is also getting comfortable playing in right field.\n<\/p>\n
Last Week\u2019s Heroes: Curtis Mead hit .375, while CJ Abrams batted .364. They each notched a homer and four RBIs. Foster Griffin threw 5 1\/3 scoreless innings in Saturday\u2019s win in Milwaukee, while Paxton Schultz tossed two scoreless innings over two outings, and Cole Beeter tallied his first save of the season.<\/p>\n
Last Week\u2019s Humbled: Cole Henry allowed five runs over 2 2\/3 innings, while Andre Granillo surrendered two runs over two-thirds of an inning before being sent down to Triple-A Rochester. Joey Wiemer cooled off after his record-tying start, batting .182 while the catching combination of Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas went 3-for-16 at the plate.<\/p>\n
Game to Watch: On Thursday, the Nats wrap up their series in Pittsburgh, as Foster Griffin looks to continue his sharp start to the season. He\u2019ll be facing Braxton Ashcroft (1-1, 2.12 ERA, 20 strikeouts) who\u2019s pitching well in his second big league season.<\/p>\n