Nationals take 4-game losing streak into matchup with the Rays

Updated Jun. 29, 2024 4:00 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Washington Nationals (38-43, fourth in the NL East) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (41-41, fourth in the AL East)

St. Petersburg, Florida; Saturday, 4:10 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Nationals: Jake Irvin (5-6, 3.13 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 81 strikeouts); Rays: Aaron Civale (2-5, 5.20 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 82 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Rays -132, Nationals +111; over/under is 7 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Washington Nationals head into the matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays after losing four straight games.

Tampa Bay has a 41-41 record overall and a 22-24 record in home games. The Rays have a 26-6 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.

Washington has a 38-43 record overall and a 21-24 record on the road. The Nationals have a 25-10 record in games when they scored at least five runs.

Saturday's game is the second time these teams meet this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Isaac Paredes leads the Rays with 12 home runs while slugging .452. Yandy Diaz is 17-for-46 with two doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI over the last 10 games.

C.J. Abrams leads the Nationals with a .278 batting average, and has 19 doubles, five triples, 12 home runs, 20 walks and 40 RBI. Jacob Young is 10-for-32 with an RBI over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rays: 7-3, .269 batting average, 3.39 ERA, outscored opponents by 17 runs

Nationals: 3-7, .235 batting average, 5.22 ERA, outscored by eight runs

INJURIES: Rays: Brandon Lowe: day-to-day (toe), Richard Lovelady: 15-Day IL (forearm), Jacob Waguespack: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Jeffrey Springs: 60-Day IL (elbow), Drew Rasmussen: 60-Day IL (elbow), Shane McClanahan: 60-Day IL (forearm)

Nationals: Jesse Winker: day-to-day (knee), Joey Gallo: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Trevor Williams: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Josiah Gray: 15-Day IL (elbow), Cade Cavalli: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jose Ferrer: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Mason Thompson: 60-Day IL (elbow)

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.