Veteran Mikolas Debuts for Nationals in Loss to Cubs

Longtime MLB pitcher struggles in first outing with new team

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:19pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's delivery from multiple angles, using muted earth tones to convey the struggle and tension of the moment.A cubist interpretation of a veteran pitcher's rocky debut with a new team, as he struggles to find his form against a powerful opposing lineup.Chicago Today

In his first regular season appearance for the Washington Nationals, veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas had a difficult debut, allowing four runs on six hits over 4.2 innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Why it matters

Mikolas signed a two-year deal with the Nationals in the offseason, and his early struggles raise questions about how he will fit into the team's starting rotation as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

Mikolas, who spent the previous five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, was tagged for a pair of home runs by Cubs sluggers Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki. He struck out four batters but also issued two walks in the 6-2 defeat.

  • Mikolas made his Nationals debut on March 29, 2026.

The players

Miles Mikolas

A veteran right-handed pitcher who signed a two-year deal with the Washington Nationals in the offseason after spending the previous five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ian Happ

A power-hitting outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who hit a home run off Mikolas in the game.

Seiya Suzuki

A Japanese outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who also hit a home run off Mikolas in the game.

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What they’re saying

“It's always tough to make a debut with a new team, but I have to be better. I'll go back, watch the tape, and figure out what I need to improve on for my next start.”

— Miles Mikolas, Pitcher, Washington Nationals

What’s next

Mikolas and the Nationals will look to bounce back in his next scheduled start on April 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The takeaway

Mikolas' rough debut raises early concerns about how the veteran pitcher will adapt to a new team and league, but he will have opportunities to prove himself as the Nationals aim to contend in the NL East.