Key Highlights

• The Milwaukee Brewers aim to rebound after a disappointing series loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Washington Nationals’ rising stars, CJ Abrams and James Wood, spotlight the team’s future potential.
• Rookie pitcher Jackson Rutledge presents a potential opportunity for Brewers’ offensive resurgence.
• Freddy Peralta looks to improve following a challenging outing against the Dodgers.

(NicePlay Sports) – Coming off a disappointing series in which they lost two of three at home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Milwaukee Brewers will look to avoid going into the All-Star break on a skid—something they’ve done all too commonly in this era. They’ll try to do that against a Washington Nationals team that, while they’re still a ways from contention, is no longer a laughing stock. Washington is already reaping the rewards of their controversial decision to trade then-23-year-old superstar Juan Soto; their best player all year long has been 23-year-old shortstop CJ Abrams, who leads the team in basically every major offensive category and was just named to his first All-Star team. But they’ve also recently called up James Wood, an outfielder who was ranked as high as the No. 2 prospect in baseball at the time of his promotion. Both players were acquired in the Soto trade.

Brewers’ Offensive Struggles and Potential Rebound

Starting the game tonight for the Nationals will be Jackson Rutledge, making just his sixth major league appearance. Rutledge was a first-round pick in 2019, but he has struggled to put together much success as a minor leaguer. In 21 major-league innings between this year and last year, Rutledge has a 6.86 ERA. At Triple-A Rochester this season, he has a 6.66 ERA in 16 starts. Rutledge would seem to present a bounce-back opportunity for a Brewers offense that was shut out (and nearly no-hit) on Thursday. Milwaukee will send Freddy Peralta to the mound. He had a rough go of it his last time out on Saturday versus the Dodgers—he was somehow able to limit the damage to three runs, but he labored heavily through four innings and was working out of jams for essentially that whole outing. A welcome addition back into the Brewers lineup is third baseman Joey Ortiz, who was placed on the IL on July 3 with neck inflammation that had been lingering for some time (and had even affected his batting stance). Vinny Capra was optioned back to Triple-A Nashville to make room for Ortiz. Ortiz is right back to it tonight, playing third base and batting eighth in the lineup. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. on Bally Sports Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network.

Washington’s Rising Stars

The Nationals, though far from playoff contention, have shown significant signs of progress. Their decision to trade Juan Soto, one of the most controversial moves in recent history, is starting to pay dividends. CJ Abrams, a 23-year-old shortstop, has been a revelation. He leads the team in almost every major offensive category and has earned his first All-Star selection. Alongside him, James Wood, recently called up and once considered the No. 2 prospect in baseball, adds another layer of excitement. Both players were key pieces in the Soto trade, and their performances have justified the Nationals’ bold decision. The spotlight will be on them as they face the Brewers. The brewing duel between these young stars and Milwaukee’s striving offense could set the stage for an intriguing series.

Pitching Matchups and Strategies

On the mound, the Brewers and Nationals will showcase contrasting styles. Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta, after a tough outing against the Dodgers, will seek redemption. Peralta’s ability to navigate through the Nationals’ lineup, particularly against their young stars, will be a focal point. For the Nationals, Jackson Rutledge’s inexperience might be a vulnerability, yet it also presents an unpredictable challenge for the Brewers. If Rutledge can find his rhythm, he could stymie Milwaukee’s bats. However, his high ERA suggests that the Brewers might have a golden opportunity to ignite their offense. The pitching strategies employed by both teams will be crucial, with Milwaukee looking to capitalize on Rutledge’s struggles and Washington aiming to support their rookie with solid defense and timely hitting.

Impact of Key Players

The return of Joey Ortiz to the Brewers’ lineup adds a much-needed boost. Ortiz, who had been sidelined with neck inflammation, brings stability to the third base position and could be a catalyst for Milwaukee’s offense. His presence might alleviate some pressure off the big hitters like Christian Yelich and Willy Adames, allowing them to perform more freely. On the Nationals’ side, the performances of CJ Abrams and James Wood will be pivotal. Abrams’ consistency and Wood’s potential for explosive plays can turn the tide in Washington’s favor. The contributions of these key players will likely define the outcome of the series, making every at-bat and defensive play critical for both teams.