Preview for Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
Washington Nationals at Detroit Tigers
Washington's Richard Lovelady takes the ball for the Nationals with an ERA of 3.86 across approximately 32.7 innings pitched, though his FIP of 5.13 suggests his run prevention has outpaced the underlying peripherals. Detroit counters with Framber Valdez, who has logged approximately 168.7 innings with an ERA of 4.06 and a FIP of 4.26, figures built on a much larger sample and pointing to more consistent performance over the course of the season.
On the offensive side, the Nationals carry a WP-estimated wOBA of 0.322 compared to Detroit's 0.313, giving Washington a slight edge at the plate by that measure. However, Detroit's team pitching numbers are stronger across the board, with a WP-estimated FIP of 4.09 and ERA of 3.64, both better than Washington's team FIP of 4.77 and ERA of 4.67. That gap in run prevention, paired with Valdez's much deeper track record this season, points toward the Tigers holding the stronger overall profile in this matchup.
Injury notes include Tyler Baum and Connelly Early of the Nationals both listed on the 60-Day IL, along with Levi Jordan also listed on the 60-Day IL for Washington. Detroit has Kerry Carpenter listed on the 10-Day IL, Paul DeJong listed on the 60-Day IL, and Kyle Finnegan listed on the 15-Day IL. These are reported statuses only and do not speak to who will be available for this particular game.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season season-to-date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
WP selection: Nationals +1.5. Confidence: Slight Lean.
The selection is supplied separately by WP. The comparisons above do not establish why the model made this selection.
WP home-run candidate for Nationals: Yohandy Morales. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
WP home-run candidate for Tigers: Eduardo Valencia. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
Predictions are uncertain; no outcome is guaranteed. Check the picks page for the latest available selections.