The Washington Nationals are set for a high-stakes showdown as the New York Mets roll into D.C. for a four-game series. Both teams aim to make a statement early in the season, but all eyes will be on Nationals Park as the Mets bring one of the league's hottest rosters to town.

Nationals Seek Home Momentum After Strong Series

The Nationals are coming off an encouraging series win over the Orioles, building momentum at just the right time. Facing the Mets, who currently have the best record in Major League Baseball, presents their biggest challenge yet. Nationals fans will also witness former star Juan Soto return to D.C., but this time in a Mets uniform, adding extra intrigue to the matchups[^1].

Probable Pitchers: Stars on Both Mounds

Friday night’s opener showcases two pitchers in excellent form. Jake Irvin takes the mound for the Nationals after back-to-back strong outings, including a seven-inning shutout of the Pirates and a nine-strikeout performance against the Rockies. The Mets counter with Kodai Senga, who has dominated early this season with a microscopic 0.79 ERA. Senga enters Nationals Park with a 19 2⁄3-inning scoreless streak[^2].

Saturday’s game sees Washington rookie Brad Lord getting the start, looking to build on his solid transition to the rotation. The Mets will send Clay Holmes, another member of their deep, reliable pitching staff. On Sunday, Nationals lefty Mitchell Parker will oppose Tylor Megill, and Monday's finale will match Trevor Williams against Griffin Canning, rounding out a series packed with quality pitching.

Nationals Lineup: Young Bats Aim to Step Up

The Nationals’ young core continues to develop, with outfielder James Wood standing out so far this season. Wood has emerged as a key contributor, batting .247 with eight home runs through 25 games. Dylan Crews, another top prospect, is still finding his form but brings energy to the lineup. CJ Abrams returns to the leadoff spot, while Kiebert Ruiz anchors the middle of the order[^3].

Here’s the projected Nationals lineup for the opener:

• SS: CJ Abrams
• LF: James Wood
• 1B: Nathaniel Lowe
• C: Keibert Ruiz
• 2B: Luis García Jr.
• DH: Josh Bell
• RF: Dylan Crews
• 3B: José Tena
• CF: Jacob Young

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Juan Soto’s Return: The Nationals faithful will see Juan Soto take the field against his former team for the first time since his record-breaking move to New York. His impact on the series—and the reaction from the crowd—will be a major talking point.

2. Pitching Duels: The combination of rising Nationals starters and dominant Mets pitching sets up several tightly contested games.

3. Bullpen Battles: While the Nationals' starters have impressed, the bullpen remains a concern with one of the highest ERAs in the National League. Can they hold up against a disciplined Mets lineup?

How to Watch the Nationals vs. Mets Series

Every game of this series can be caught live on MASN or MLB.tv for Nationals fans. For Mets fans, SNY has the broadcast, but streaming details have changed this season. Here's how to stream or watch via the MLB App or the web, with all the latest instructions for SNY's in-market accessibility and a step-by-step guide to setup your viewing experience.

For additional insight on lineups and more in-depth Nationals reporting, check out MASN's daily game coverage and analysis. Mets fans or neutral observers looking for a big-picture series preview and matchup breakdown will appreciate Amazin' Avenue's in-depth preview, which highlights key player storylines and pitching matchups.

Final Thoughts

This Nationals vs. Mets series promises drama, young talent, and high-stakes performances on both sides. With rising stars, big-name returns, and crucial pitching matchups, it's a must-watch for any baseball fan. The Nationals will look to defend their home turf against the league's current best and set the stage for a thrilling stretch ahead at Nationals Park.

[^1]: Game 26 lineups: Nats vs. Mets - MASN Sports
[^2]: Mets at Nationals: How to watch on SNY on April 25, 2025 - SNY
[^3]: Series Preview: After perfect homestand, Mets head to DC to face Nats - Amazin' Avenue