The Atlanta Braves welcome the Washington Nationals to Truist Park on Sunday, August 2, for a 1:35 PM ET afternoon affair. Washington sends right-hander Cade Cavalli to the mound, while Atlanta has yet to name a probable starter. It is a midseason matchup between two NL East neighbors, and with the dog days of August arriving, every game carries weight in the standings. Catch the action on BravesVision or listen locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals: Sunday, August 2, 2026 Preview

The Braves are rolling out a lineup that mixes established stars with some interesting pieces up and down the order. Drake Baldwin draws the leadoff spot behind the plate, with Ronald Acuña Jr. slotting in at the two hole as the designated hitter. Matt Olson follows at first base, and Michael Harris II anchors the cleanup spot in center field. Ozzie Albies hits fifth at second base, with Mauricio Dubón in left, Mike Yastrzemski in right, and Austin Riley at third base. Jim Jarvis rounds out the lineup at shortstop batting ninth.

Washington's Probable Starter: Cade Cavalli

The Nationals are handing the ball to Cade Cavalli, the right-hander who has shown flashes of legitimate front-of-rotation upside since coming up through Washington's system. Specific season stats were not available at time of publication, so judging his current form precisely is difficult — but the Braves' lineup is deep enough that any pitcher who misses his spots will pay for it quickly at Truist Park.

Atlanta Starter to Be Determined

The Braves have not yet named a starter for this one, which is worth monitoring as first pitch approaches. Whether the club goes with a depth arm, a spot starter, or shuffles the rotation, the offense is capable enough to carry some of the load. Still, pitching matchups matter against a Nationals club that can put runs on the board, and Atlanta will want clarity in the rotation as the calendar flips to August.

Keys to Watch Against Washington

• Acuña Jr.'s role at DH: Ronald Acuña Jr. is in the lineup as the designated hitter rather than in the outfield. His presence in the two hole keeps the offense dangerous, and his at-bats will be worth tracking closely throughout the afternoon.
• Riley and Olson vs. Cavalli: Austin Riley and Matt Olson represent the kind of right-handed pop that can make a pitcher's afternoon very long. If Cavalli struggles with his command, those two are capable of doing serious damage.
• Harris II in center: Michael Harris II hitting cleanup signals the trust the organization has placed in the young center fielder. His production in the heart of the order is a storyline to follow as the season progresses.
• Atlanta's bullpen depth: With the starting pitcher unnamed, the bullpen could be called on early. How Atlanta manages its relief arms on a Sunday afternoon at home will matter, especially against a lineup that Washington will not take lightly.

Prediction

Home field and lineup depth favor Atlanta here. The Braves are putting a recognizable and balanced lineup on the field at Truist Park, and if the starting pitching situation gets resolved cleanly, this is a game Atlanta should control. Advantage Braves, 5-3.