The Washington Nationals and the Arizona Diamondbacks continue their 3-game weekend series on Saturday in Arizona. Both teams find themselves at the bottom of their respective divisions in the NL East and NL West. On Saturday the pitching matchup will feature righty Anibal Sanchez (0-1, 7.20) of the Nationals taking on lefty Madison Bumgarner (5-9, 3.83) of the Diamondbacks. The first pitch is scheduled for 810pm EST.
The Washington Nationals ended a five-game losing streak at the close of the first half with a 7-3 win over the Braves but it did not prevent them from fielding the worst record in the major leagues as the first half came to a close. The Nationals travel west to start to the second half starting with a 3-game set in Arizona. On Friday night, the Nationals were shut down by Zach Gallen and the Arizona pitching staff on their way to the team's sixth loss in seven games. Starter Patrick Corbin was touched up for eight hits and five runs in the game's first five innings and the Nationals once again allowed multiple home runs to their opponent in taking their major league-worst 64th loss of the season.
We're back. #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/WEdBkdEbMT
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 22, 2022
The Nationals have the worst record in baseball and things may not be getting any better with rumors swirling that the team will be trading superstar right fielder Juan Soto. Soto recently turned down a record extension offer forcing the Nationals to shop around their last remaining star from the 2019 World Championship season. The Nationals will be smart to find some pitching if they end up dealing Soto. Washington is 29th in runs allowed, 29th in hits per game and 30th in home runs per game. On the mound on Saturday will be veteran right-hander Anibal Sanchez. The 38-year old will be making just his second start of the season recovering from injury. In his only start this season, Sanchez gave up five hits and 4 runs in five innings work in taking the loss to the Braves, 5-4.