Nationals' Rotation Struggles in Opening Stretch

Washington's pitching staff faces scrutiny after disappointing start to 2026 season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange hues, conceptually representing the Nationals' pitching woes.The Nationals' struggling pitching rotation has become a major concern as the team fights to remain competitive in the NL East.Washington Today

The Washington Nationals entered the 2026 MLB season with modest expectations, lacking the star power of some other teams. However, the team's starting rotation has struggled mightily in the opening weeks, raising concerns about their ability to compete for a playoff spot.

Why it matters

The Nationals' pitching staff was expected to be a strength this year, but the early season woes have put the team in a hole and increased pressure on the organization to find solutions. Strong starting pitching is crucial for the Nationals to have any chance of returning to the postseason.

The details

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Nationals' starting rotation has posted a combined 6.75 ERA, with several starters failing to make it past the fifth inning. The team's ace, Max Scherzer, has looked uncharacteristically hittable, while other key arms like Patrick Corbin and Anibal Sanchez have also disappointed.

  • The 2026 MLB season began on April 1st.
  • The Nationals have played 12 games so far in the 2026 season.

The players

Max Scherzer

A veteran right-handed starting pitcher and the Nationals' ace, Scherzer is a future Hall of Famer who has won multiple Cy Young awards during his career.

Patrick Corbin

A left-handed starting pitcher who the Nationals signed to a big contract a few years ago, Corbin has struggled to regain the form that made him an All-Star earlier in his career.

Anibal Sanchez

A right-handed starting pitcher who has been a reliable veteran presence in the Nationals' rotation in recent seasons, but has gotten off to a slow start in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We have to find a way to get these guys going. Our starting pitching is the backbone of this team, and they haven't been getting the job done so far.”

— Dave Martinez, Nationals Manager

“It's still early, but we can't afford to dig ourselves too deep of a hole. We need our starters to step up and give us a chance to win games.”

— Juan Soto, Nationals Outfielder

What’s next

The Nationals will look to their starting rotation to turn things around in the coming weeks, as they try to climb back into contention in the NL East division.

The takeaway

The Nationals' early season struggles on the mound have put the team in a precarious position, raising questions about whether their starting pitching can rebound and keep the team in the playoff hunt. The team's success this year will hinge on the ability of their veteran starters to regain their form.