Nationals Rookie Andrew Alvarez Set to Make Waves Against Cubs
The Washington Nationals are gearing up for a pivotal three-game series against the Chicago Cubs, and all eyes are on rookie pitcher Andrew Alvarez, who is set to take the mound for Sunday’s finale. Selected to reinforce the rotation, Alvarez will step in for the injured MacKenzie Gore, making his major league debut a highly anticipated event.
Alvarez’s Promising Debut
Alvarez, who boasts a 1-0 record, was called up prior to the Nationals’ recent matchup against the Miami Marlins. In an inspiring twist of fate, he not only made his MLB debut but also set a new franchise record. By throwing at least five scoreless innings in his initial outing, he became the first pitcher in Nationals history—dating back to the team’s inception in 2005—to accomplish such a feat. During that game, Alvarez allowed just one hit, struck out five batters, and issued four walks before being pulled to preserve the lead. His success was complemented by his batterymate, catcher C.J. Stubbs, who also made his debut that day. Together, they became the first rookie pitcher-catcher duo for the Nationals to debut on the same date since Shairon Martis and Luke Montz did so in 2008.
Rotation Overview for the Series
As the Nationals prepare for their weekend showdown, the pitching matchups have been confirmed.
Friday’s Opener
The series kicks off on Friday at 2:20 p.m. Eastern, featuring Washington’s Jake Irvin (8-10, 5.42 ERA) against Cubs right-hander Javier Assad (1-1, 4.05 ERA). Irvin enters the game struggling, with a 1-5 record and a 7.53 ERA over his last seven starts. Meanwhile, Assad, who returned from injury last month, has stepped in to fill the gaps left by injured starters Jameson Taillon and Michael Soroka.
Saturday’s Contest
On Saturday, also slated for a 2:20 p.m. start, Nationals right-hander Brad Lord (4-8, 4.34 ERA) will face off against Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (12-7, 2.94 ERA). Lord is looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses, including a rough outing against Tampa Bay where he allowed seven earned runs over three innings. Boyd, in his last appearance, took a no-decision after allowing four earned runs over six innings against Colorado.
Looking Ahead
As the Cubs have yet to announce their starter for Sunday, Alvarez’s performance will be crucial for the Nationals as they aim to build momentum against a competitive Chicago lineup. With his record-setting debut fresh in the minds of fans and teammates alike, Alvarez has the potential to not only solidify his place in the rotation but also ignite excitement for the rest of the season. This weekend’s series promises to be a thrilling showcase of emerging talent and strategic matchups as both teams vie for crucial wins.
