Wednesday, August 27

Welcome to the latest edition of the Nationals Beat newsletter. This is your stop for the latest on and off the field, from news to exclusive player interviews and insights, brought to you by MLB.com club reporter Jessica Camerato.

The Nationals’ 2026 schedule was announced on Tuesday, and their upcoming season begins on March 26 at Wrigley Field. Let’s take a look at notable series to circle on your calendars.

• Opening Day: The Nats head to the Windy City to open next season against the Cubs. Opening Day is scheduled for March 26, with a built-in off-day on the 27th. This will be the second time Washington opens its season at Wrigley Field (2012 was the other instance). The three-game series concludes on March 29, when the Nationals continue on to Citizens Bank Park.

• Nationals Park Home Opener: Following six road games, the Nationals will host their home opener on April 3 against the Dodgers. This falls on a Friday this season, leading into a weekend series vs. L.A., followed by a three-game home series against the Cardinals.

• Beltway Series: The Nationals kick off six games against the Orioles with a weekend home series on May 15-17. The following month, the Nats make the short trip to Baltimore, June 26-28.

• Annual Fourth of July Game: The Nationals will host the Pirates on July 4 as part of their traditional home series. That series is the beginning of a nine-game homestand leading into the All-Star break.

• A train ride away: In addition to the Beltway Series, the Nationals will play at Citizens Bank Park against the Phillies on March 30-April 1 and Aug. 3-6; and Citi Field against the Mets on April 28-30 and Aug. 14-16.

• West Coast action: The Nationals visit the Giants on June 8-10 following three games at the D-backs (June 5-7). Coming out of the All-Star break, the Nats travel to the Athletics (July 17-19) before going to Colorado (July 20-22). In the final month of the regular season, the Nationals take a west coast trip to the Dodgers (Sept. 4-6) and Padres (Sept. 7-9). 

• Season finale: The Nats conclude the 2026 regular season at home against the Mets on Sept. 25-27 in a divisional matchup. 

Ben Weinrib scoured the Minor Leagues and uncovered the best nicknames in every organization. Senators catcher Maxwell Romero Jr. received top honors for the Nats, with other monikers that stood out as well. 

Weinrib wrote: 

The Grinch, Maxwell Romero Jr., C, Double-A Harrisburg

When he was a teenager, Maxwell's sister wanted to get up early for Christmas, while he just wanted to sleep in. His mom would jokingly call him a Grinch and even gave him Grinch-themed pajamas and outfits. To this day, he uses a lot of green gear, including a Grinch bat and belt. His favorite movie version? That would be 2000's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" starring Jim Carrey.

Other notable nicknames:

El Huracán: Jarlin Susana (No. 3/MLB No. 72), RHP, Double-A Harrisburg

Lil Bop: Delino DeShields, OF, Double-A Harrisburg

Clembot: Alex Clemmey (No. 5), LHP, Double-A Harrisburg

Shampoo: Sean Paul Liñan (No. 15), RHP, High-A Wilmington

Susana was named to MLB Pipeline’s Prospect Team of the Week for tallying 23 strikeouts in a pair of dominating starts against the Erie SeaWolves. 

On Aug. 19, Susana fanned 13 batters in five innings. Five days later, he struck out 10 in five frames. Susana only allowed one run in each game. 

Susana, 21, holds a 1.52 ERA with 44 strikeouts in five starts this month.

• Friday: HBCU Day; Nats Postgame Summer Concert Series – Ja Rule and Ashanti

• Saturday: Player designed cap (first 20,000 fans); Taiwan Heritage Day

• Sunday: Girl Scout Day; Jewish Community Day; Signature Sundays; Kids Run the Bases (ages 4-12) 

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