Washington Nationals vs Athletics

Washington Nationals at Athletics (2026-07-18). Zack Littell vs J.T. Ginn at Sutter Health Park.

Starters — Littell has a 4.90 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 90 innings, with 5.7 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, and a high 2.3 HR/9. His last three starts were strong: 4 IP, 1 ER, 5 K, 0 BB; 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 K, 1 BB; and 5 IP, 2 ER, 3 K, 2 BB. The recent trend is down, which fits the improved run prevention despite modest strikeout volume. Ginn carries a 3.67 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across 103 innings, with 8.13 K/9, 4.02 BB/9, and 1.14 HR/9. His last three were mixed: 4.1 IP, 8 ER, 7 K, 3 BB; 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 K, 2 BB; and 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 K, 5 BB. The trend is up overall, but the most recent outing was a clear step back and the walk rate remains a pressure point.

Teams — Washington brings the stronger offensive profile with a .767 OPS, .252 average, and 539 runs scored. The Nationals’ pitching staff has a 4.74 ERA and 1.39 WHIP, and they are 4-6 over their last 10 games. Oakland has a .723 OPS, .244 average, and 426 runs scored, so the lineup has produced less consistently. The Athletics’ staff owns a 5.38 ERA and 1.49 WHIP, and the current 0-10 stretch adds to the concern around run prevention and overall form.