Dodgers vs Nationals Preview: Pitching Power vs Youthful Fight

Friday at Nationals Park feels electric as Dodgers visit Washington. Fans will see elite pitching against young arms, and the stadium will buzz when runners steal a pick. Los Angeles brings deep starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while Washington leans on youth. The day sets up a clear contrast between experience and developing talent.

Los Angeles shows a fearsome pitching group with Yamamoto as the ace. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow add more frontline quality, while Shohei Ohtani may pitch more regularly. The bullpen now includes Edwin Díaz, giving the team a top closer. This depth lets the Dodgers attack innings aggressively and protect leads late in games.

Washington fields a young rotation built for growth and learning. Pitchers like Zach Littell, Cade Cavalli, and Josiah Gray have shown flashes but need consistency. Arms such as Foster Griffin and Miles Mikolas add experience. The bullpen should see Clayton Beeter in the closer role, which gives the team a clear late‑game plan to evaluate young pitchers.

Shohei Ohtani stands out as a two‑way superstar, and Kyle Tucker strengthens the lineup. Mookie Betts adds defensive flexibility. For the Nationals, James Wood remains a powerful young bat to watch. Injuries include Landon Knack and Gavin Stone on the Dodgers IL, and Josiah Gray and others on Washington's IL, which affects pitching depth.