The Miami Marlins wrap up their home series against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 1:40 PM ET at loanDepot park. Janson Junk takes the ball for Miami opposite Washington's Jackson Kent in a matchup of two clubs building toward the future. Both rosters are stacked with young talent worth watching, making this one more than just a box score game — it's a window into what both franchises are becoming.

Starting Pitchers: Janson Junk vs. Jackson Kent

Junk gets the Sunday start for the Fish. He's a right-handed arm who has carved out a spot in Miami's rotation by competing and throwing strikes. The Nationals counter with Jackson Kent, another young arm still establishing himself at the big league level. Without a significant ERA gap separating these two on paper, this one figures to come down to which pitcher commands the strike zone more consistently and which lineup does more damage early.

Miami Marlins Lineup to Watch

• Otto Lopez leads off at shortstop, setting the table at the top of the order.
• Agustín Ramírez slots in at DH batting second — a name to keep an eye on as he continues developing at the plate.
• Heriberto Hernández hits third out of left field, giving the lineup a middle-of-the-order threat.
• Xavier Edwards bats cleanup at second base, a versatile contact hitter who can work counts and create havoc on the bases.
• Esteury Ruiz in center field provides elite speed in the five hole — a disruptive presence any time he reaches base.
• Javier Sanoja, Deyvison De Los Santos, Griffin Conine, and Brian Navarreto round out the bottom of the order with a mix of youth and upside.

Washington Nationals Lineup to Watch

• Dylan Crews bats third for Washington — the highly touted outfielder is one of the more closely watched young players in the NL.
• Keibert Ruiz anchors the middle of the order at catcher, providing Washington's most proven bat in the cleanup spot.
• Daylen Lile leads off from left field, with Abimelec Ortiz following at DH to give Washington a credible top of the order.
• Nasim Nuñez at shortstop and Jacob Young in center give the Nationals speed and athleticism in the back half of the lineup.

Keys to the Game

• Esteury Ruiz on the bases. When Ruiz gets on, he changes the game. Miami needs him active in the middle innings to manufacture runs against a Washington staff that can be had.
• Junk's command early. If Junk can navigate the Nationals' young, aggressive lineup in the first two times through, Miami's bullpen depth becomes an advantage late.
• Xavier Edwards vs. Kent. Edwards has the bat control and plate discipline to grind at-bats and put pressure on a pitcher still finding his big league footing.
• Washington's speed at the top. Lile and Young can create problems if Junk isn't holding runners and Navarreto isn't managing the running game behind the plate.

Prediction

This is a winnable afternoon for the Marlins at home. Junk has the experience edge in this particular matchup, and Miami's lineup — with Ruiz, Edwards, and Hernández — has enough pieces to put up three or four runs against Kent. Give Miami the edge in a 4-2 final. Catch the game on Marlins.TV or listen locally on WQAM 104.3 FM and WAQI 710 AM (Spanish).