Yankees Seek Offensive Revival in Nationals Series

The New York Yankees opened a three-game series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. EST. A weather delay pushed the first pitch to about 8:45 p.m. after rain threatened the start. Left-hander Ryan Weathers (3-7, 4.29 ERA) was slated to start for New York, while left-hander Carson Palmquist (0-1, 7.11 ERA) opened for the Washington Nationals. The Yankees entered the series at 51-42, ranking second in the American League in runs and leading the majors with 135 home runs. The Nationals, at 48-46, led the majors in runs (508) and stolen bases (100) and were two games above .500.

HeavyCBS SportsThe Yankees Come To DC As The Nats Look To End The First Half On A High NoteESPN

New York has endured a severe offensive slump, losing 11 of its last 14 games and ranking 26th in runs (48) and last in wRC+ (53) over that span. Injuries to sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have compounded the problem. The tide appeared to turn on Thursday, July 9, when the Yankees routed the Tampa Bay Rays 12-4 at Tropicana Field—their highest run total since a 12-2 win on June 16. Ben Rice delivered two home runs and five RBIs, sparking what many called a potential turning point after a 20-game stretch of five runs or fewer.

CBS Sports

• Yankees: 135 HR (AL lead), 12 runs vs. Rays, 14 hits, Rice’s 28th HR of the season, six HRs in his last nine games.

ESPN

• Nationals: 508 runs (MLB lead), 100 steals (MLB lead), CJ Abrams and Luis Garcia Jr. each hit their 20th HR of the season, Abrams now has a career-high 67 RBIs.

CBS Sports

• Starting pitchers: Yankees’ Ryan Weathers (2-1 vs. Nationals, 6.20 ERA) and Cam Schlittler (9-5, 2.01 ERA) slated for Friday and Saturday; Nationals’ Miles Mikolas (3-7, 5.78 ERA) and probable Cade Cavalli for Sunday.

The Yankees Come To DC As The Nats Look To End The First Half On A High Note

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised the recent surge, noting the team’s renewed energy and “greedy” mindset to keep pushing. Nationals manager Blake Butera highlighted his squad’s preparation, saying they had “a lot of time, work and effort into getting ready to go for these games and being dialed into the game plan.” Both clubs emphasized the importance of sustained offensive production as the first half of the season draws to a close.

New York Post

Analysts from the New York Daily News warned that the Yankees’ reliance on mid-season trades and future roster moves may mask deeper flaws. The piece argued that “the storm is upon us” and that “the questions around the infield…the bullpen…are not fixed by a single hot game.” Critics contend that without addressing these structural issues, the Yankees risk repeating past late-season collapses.

Heavy

• “You're fired up that some guys that have been scuffling are putting together really good at-bats,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

CBS Sports

• “The guy hits a million homers,” — Ryan McMahon, Yankees teammate

CBS Sports

• “We needed a good one like that,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

New York Post

• “The great thing about it was, it was everyone,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

New York Post

• “It definitely boosts our morale heading into the next series,” — Ben Rice, Yankees outfielder

New York Post

• Friday: Yankees vs. Nationals, Ryan Weathers vs. Carson Palmquist (delayed start).

The Yankees Come To DC As The Nats Look To End The First Half On A High Note

• Saturday: Cam Schlittler (Yankees) vs. Miles Mikolas (Nationals).

The Yankees Come To DC As The Nats Look To End The First Half On A High Note

• Sunday: Will Warren (Yankees) vs. probable Cade Cavalli (Nationals).

The Yankees Come To DC As The Nats Look To End The First Half On A High Note

The series will test whether New York’s offensive spark can translate into sustained success as the season’s second half approaches.

CBS Sports