The Miami Marlins return to loanDepot park on Friday, August 21, 2026, for a 7:10 PM ET regular-season showdown against the Washington Nationals. Ryan Gusto gets the ball for Miami, squaring off against Washington's Brad Lord in what shapes up as a pitching matchup between two arms still carving out their place in the big leagues. With the Fish playing in front of a home crowd, this is exactly the kind of mid-August game that can define a roster's second half. First pitch is set for 7:10 PM ET, with coverage available on Marlins.TV and WQAM 104.3 in Miami.

Probable Starters: Ryan Gusto vs. Brad Lord

Ryan Gusto draws the start for the Marlins. Gusto is a name Marlins fans should be tracking — a young arm getting his opportunity in a rotation that has leaned heavily on developing pitching from within. The details of his season line are not confirmed heading into this preview, but the assignment itself signals the organization's belief in him for a meaningful regular-season date at home.

Brad Lord takes the hill for Washington. Like Gusto, Lord is a pitcher in the earlier stages of establishing himself at the major-league level. Without confirmed season statistics for either starter, the edge in this matchup will come down to execution on the night rather than any clear statistical advantage.

Miami Marlins Starting Lineup

• 1. Jakob Marsee — CF
• 2. Owen Caissie — RF
• 3. Griffin Conine — 1B
• 4. Xavier Edwards — 2B
• 5. Otto Lopez — SS
• 6. Heriberto Hernández — LF
• 7. Joe Mack — C
• 8. Agustín Ramírez — DH
• 9. Leo Jiménez — 3B

Keys to Watch

Can Gusto Eat Innings and Keep Miami in the Game?

The biggest variable Friday is how deep Gusto can go. A young starter pitching at home carries an opportunity to build confidence and spare the bullpen in a long regular-season stretch. If he can get through five or six innings without significant damage, Miami's offense will have chances to work.

The Middle of the Order Carries the Load

Griffin Conine at third and Xavier Edwards batting cleanup represent the heart of this Marlins lineup. Edwards in particular has shown the kind of contact ability that can be a problem for pitchers who live on the edges of the zone. Otto Lopez and Heriberto Hernández rounding out spots five and six give Miami length in the order that opposing pitchers cannot take lightly.

Jakob Marsee Sets the Table

Leading off from center field, Jakob Marsee is Miami's table-setter. How he fares in his early at-bats against Lord will signal a lot about the offensive tone for the evening. A Marlins offense that gets Marsee on base consistently is one that puts pressure on a visiting pitching staff all night long.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Miami at home. The Marlins have the lineup depth to generate enough offense against a Washington starter who, like Gusto, is still building his major-league résumé. If Gusto settles in early and avoids a big inning, loanDepot park should be celebrating a Marlins win by the final out. Marlins 4, Nationals 2.