Washington Nationals vs Athletics

Washington Nationals at Athletics (2026-07-19). Foster Griffin vs Jacob Lopez at Sutter Health Park.

Starters — Foster Griffin has a 2.77 ERA and 1.02 WHIP across 110.1 innings, with 8.89 K/9, 2.12 BB/9, and 1.39 HR/9. His last three starts were strong: 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 9 K, 0 BB; 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 K, 1 BB; and 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 9 K, 2 BB. The trend is up, with sharp command and consistent run prevention. Jacob Lopez has a 6.83 ERA and 1.79 WHIP over 55.1 innings, with 6.99 K/9, 5.53 BB/9, and 1.79 HR/9. His last three outings were 1.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 K, 0 BB; 3.0 IP, 4 ER, 4 K, 1 BB; and 2.0 IP, 7 ER, 3 K, 2 BB. The trend is down, and the combination of walks and home runs remains a clear concern.

Teams — Washington brings a .764 OPS and 540 runs scored, both stronger marks than the Athletics. The Nationals also hit .251 as a team, and while their pitching staff has a 4.85 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, the offense gives them a solid baseline. Their recent form is weaker at 3-7 over the last 10, which is worth noting. The Athletics have a .728 OPS, 441 runs, and a .245 team average. Their staff has a 5.33 ERA and 1.48 WHIP, which points to broader run-prevention issues beyond the starter. Oakland is also just 1-9 in its last 10, suggesting both offensive inconsistency and pitching instability entering this matchup.