The Miami Marlins visit the Washington Nationals on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. ET from Nationals Park, Washington, DC.
The Washington Nationals enter at 63-73 (.463), while the Miami Marlins sit at 68-66 (.507). Ryan Gusto (1-3, 3.98 ERA) takes the mound for the Marlins, while Will Dion (1-1, 3.67 ERA) gets the start for the Nationals.
Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.
How to Watch Marlins vs. Nationals
- When: Monday, August 31, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. ET
- Where: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
- TV: FS1
- Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOX Sports
Players to Watch
Ryan Gusto gets the ball with a chance to set the terms for Miami. The right-hander is 1-3 with a 3.98 ERA and 53 strikeouts, and he will face a Washington lineup built around CJ Abrams and James Wood. The challenge is keeping runners off base before those two get chances to drive the ball. Gusto does not need to overpower the Nationals for seven innings, but he does need to command the strike zone and avoid the extra traffic that lets Washington’s speed become a factor. If he gets through the top of the order cleanly, Miami can turn the game over to its bullpen on schedule.
Otto Lopez is the Marlins hitter most likely to force the issue. He enters with a team-best .305 average and 61 RBI, giving Miami a steady contact bat with the speed to change an inning once he reaches. Washington is scheduled to start left-hander Will Dion, so Lopez’s right-handed bat should sit in the middle of the matchup plan. Miami does not need him to swing for the fences. It needs him on base, making Dion work from the stretch and giving the heart of the order a chance to hit with traffic. If Lopez starts the pressure, the Marlins can keep it moving.
Will Dion steps into a demanding assignment as Washington’s scheduled starter. The left-hander is 1-1 with a 3.67 ERA and 41 strikeouts, and his first job is slowing a Miami lineup that can create problems with contact and speed. Otto Lopez is the hitter who can start that chain, so Dion has to get ahead and keep him off base before the middle of the order arrives. If Dion limits walks and stays out of long counts, he can keep the Marlins from building the extended inning they want. A clean opening turn through the order would put Washington in control of the game’s pace.
CJ Abrams is Washington’s offensive trigger. He enters with 29 home runs, 92 RBI and 26 stolen bases, a power-speed mix that can put Ryan Gusto under pressure from the first pitch. Abrams can change the game with one swing, but he is just as dangerous when he reaches and forces Miami to defend the bases. That makes his first matchup with Gusto one of the night’s key moments. If Abrams gets into favorable counts or creates traffic ahead of James Wood, the Nationals can make Miami pitch from behind and give their most dangerous bats a chance to take over.
Marlins vs. Nationals Odds
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