The Washington Nationals' pitching plan changed again after Tuesday's game. Matt Waldron is now expected to open, but the innings behind him are not settled. That uncertainty becomes the center of the third game against the Colorado Rockies.
Nationals' Opener Plan Leaves More Questions Than Answers
The Nationals listed Matt Waldron as their expected opener, though a dedicated probable-pitchers feed still showed the spot as TBD, according to mlb.com. He joined the organization Tuesday, so the catcher has not had time to learn his knuckleball.
The Nationals used Brad Lord extensively Tuesday, and Jake Bird worked both of the first two games. The Nationals also designated Trevor Williams for assignment, removing a multi-inning option. That leaves the bridge behind Waldron thin and uncertain.
The lineup still leans on Daylen Lile, who has homered in both games of the series. CJ Abrams is available only as a designated hitter while his ankle remains sore, and James Wood is on the injured list. The offensive ceiling is not what it could be at full strength.
Rockies' Leaning on Gordon After a Tired Bullpen Night
Tanner Gordon is the more firmly listed starter for the Rockies. His last outing against Cleveland went poorly after early traffic, but he had looked better in relief before that. The Rockies need him to provide length after using five late-game relievers Tuesday.
Hunter Goodman returned from the injured list Tuesday and homered immediately. Ezequiel Tovar is day-to-day with a wrist problem, and Kyle Karros is on the concussion IL. The Rockies' left side of the infield is unsettled, which can create extra baserunners for the Nationals.
Jordan Romano closed Tuesday's win, and the leverage group all worked but none on consecutive days. That should keep most arms available, though manager Warren Schaeffer may not want to use the entire chain again with Thursday's early start looming.
A Warm, Dry Night in a Neutral Park
Wednesday's game begins at 6:45 PM ET with a forecast around 81°F, no meaningful rain risk and a light westerly crosswind. Nationals Park is a neutral-to-slightly pitcher-leaning venue, but the corners and power alleys are reachable. The weather does not point toward a shutout-friendly evening.
Pitching Uncertainty and Thin Bullpens Point to Runs
The market sees two vulnerable starters, but it may not fully account for the Nationals' opener plan and compromised bridge. Waldron's knuckleball could produce soft contact for an inning or two, yet the innings behind him are tired or unannounced. Gordon is more stable, but his last start showed he can get dragged into prolonged traffic.
The Rockies' unsettled infield defense gives the Nationals extra baserunners, and Goodman's return adds a middle-order threat for the Rockies. The warm, dry conditions remove weather as a reason to hesitate on the over. One-run margins are plausible, but a multi-run total has more paths than the market price suggests.
The main risk is a knuckleball-heavy opener generating weak contact and limiting barrels early. That can suppress runs in the first third of the game. But the broader bullpen exposure and Gordon's vulnerability create enough run paths to stay with the over.
Game prediction: Total Over 8.5 runs, odds 1.857
