The Washington Nationals visit the Texas Rangers on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:05 p.m. ET from Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX. The Texas Rangers enter at 62-65, while the Washington Nationals sit at 61-67.
Jacob deGrom (8-8, 3.95 ERA in 120.2 innings) takes the mound for the Rangers, opposed by Andrew Alvarez (2-4, 3.72 ERA in 75 innings). The Nationals bring an active running game into this contest with their 131 stolen bases are the most in the MLB in the 2026 regular season. Meanwhile, Jake Burger is three hits away from reaching 500 in his career.
Below, we'll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game. How to Watch Nationals vs. Rangers Players to Watch Jacob deGrom Pitcher · Texas Rangers This matchup starts with deGrom because Texas has a clear edge when he is available to set the tone on the mound.
He is the projected starter, he is on the active roster, and he threw a bullpen Tuesday after dealing with triceps fatigue. The latest update said he felt good and was a candidate to start here. For the season, deGrom is 8-8 with a 3.95 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, 147 strikeouts in 120.2 innings, and an opponent average of .237.
That matters against a Washington lineup that has been one of the most productive in baseball, leading the majors in home runs, runs batted in, and stolen bases. If deGrom controls the top of the order and keeps traffic off the bases, Texas can turn this into the kind of game it wants. CJ Abrams Shortstop · Washington Nationals Abrams is the Nationals hitter who most directly pressures this Rangers staff in every phase.
He brings middle of the order production and speed into a game against a Texas pitching group that has allowed 77 stolen bases this season. Washington has built its offense around impact swings and aggressive running, and Abrams sits right in the middle of that formula. Heading into this game, Abrams is batting .280 with a .355 on base percentage and a .531 slugging percentage, along with 29 home runs, 91 RBI, and 24 stolen bases.
Washington also leads the majors in home runs and stolen bases, so his ability to reach base changes the whole shape of the matchup. If Abrams gets on early, he can force deGrom and the Rangers defense to play under pressure. Jake Burger First Baseman · Texas Rangers Burger is worth watching because Texas needs his power against a Washington pitching staff that has been vulnerable to damage contact all season.
The Nationals have a 4.731 team ERA, a 1.393 WHIP, and have allowed 177 home runs, one of the clearest pressure points in this matchup. Burger is one of the Rangers bats best positioned to exploit that. He enters this game with 21 home runs and 73 RBI, both team highs among projected Texas starters.
His .424 slugging percentage gives the Rangers a needed power source in a lineup that ranks 19th in home runs and 24th in RBI. Against projected starter Andrew Alvarez, Burger is the kind of hitter who can change the scoreboard with one swing, like a line drive that suddenly turns the whole ballpark loud. Andrew Alvarez Pitcher · Washington Nationals Alvarez is the Nationals player to watch on the mound because his individual numbers have been stronger than the overall profile of Washington's staff.
He is the projected starter, he is active, and he comes in with a 3.72 ERA over 75 innings. That stands out on a team whose pitchers have posted a 4.731 ERA and a 1.393 WHIP this season. His season line also includes a 1.33 WHIP, 69 strikeouts, and a .240 opponent average.
The challenge is specific here. Texas is only middle of the pack offensively by season ranking, but it has enough right now to punish mistakes, and Corey Seager is coming off a two hit game Tuesday and is batting .302 across 15 games since returning from the injured list. If Alvarez can navigate the middle of the Rangers order and limit free baserunners, Washington has a real chance to keep this game in its preferred range.
Nationals vs. Rangers Odds Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
