The Washington Nationals have not looked great in recent games. Heading into the weekend, the team lost five of their last six games. They were swept by the Cincinnati Reds before losing two of three to the Toronto Blue Jays. After a hot start, the Nationals need to start finding their rhythm which might be tough against a Chicago Cubs team starting to put it all together.
Coming off their worst shut out at home as Mark Buehrle made quick work of the Nationals lineup. He gave up just six hits while Washington was shut out 8-0. The team is in need of a bounce back series against the Cubs. The Nationals will start AJ Cole on the mound who is helping take the place of Stephen Strasburg who is currently on the disabled list. In his last game, he managed to pitch 4.1 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies where he gave up four hits and two runs during that span. Cole has a heavy task of taking care of the Chicago Cubs batting lineup who is hitting well right now.
One thing that should help the Nationals is the arrival of Anthony Rendon who was activated off the disabled list Thursday night. The third baseman finished fifth last year in National League MVP voting. He hit .287 with 21 home runs. He has yet to make his 2015 debut after injuring his knee during spring training and then suffered an oblique injury while trying to rehab the issue.
The Chicago Cubs will start Jason Hammel on the mound. The team is coming off a series against the Miami Marlins where they lost two of three on the road. The team is still slowly figuring out their batting lineup and they hope Hammel can usher in success. Hammel got the win in his last start where he pitched 6.2 innings against Miami, giving up five hits and just one run while striking out 11. He has a 2.82 ERA during this season and looking like one of the Cubs' best arms.
Chicago currently sits in third while competing against the Nationals. They have played well, but not great as consistency has been an issue. Injuries are a problem as players slowly start to get healthy once again. Manager Joe Maddon stressed to the media that he is not at all concerned and expects to still be in the conversation in the coming months.