Nationals Unveil Opening Day Rotation

0:00It's March 26. You're listening to MLB News today, AI-powered MLB coverage. The Washington Nationals have locked in their 26-man opening-day roster for the 2026 season. Few changes caught fans off guard after spring training cuts. The big reveal came with the starting rotation for their opening series against the Chicago Cubs, starting March 26. Cade Cavali leads off as the opening-day pitcher, followed by Miles McCullis on March 28, and Jake Irvin on March 29. Cade Cavali earned the top spot after a strong camp. The right-hander, picked 22nd overall in the 2020 draft, missed time with Tommy John Surgery, but now anchors the staff in his first. Full big league year. Mika lost steps up unexpectedly as the number two starter. The national signed the 10-year veteran from the Cardinals on February 11, figuring him for later innings. Zach Lettel joined too late to ramp up, so Mika let's take the early assignment after a 4.84 ERA, over 31 starts last.

1:03Season. Jake Irvin rounds out the trio with a chance to rebound. He barely stuck with the team after a rough 2025 dodging a non-tender. Spring training turned heads, landing him this key match-up against the tough Cubs lineup. All eyes stay on this group, as the nationals kick off against the playoff contender. Cavali's debut sets the tone, while Mika lost an Irvin aim to steady the rotation right out of the gate.