Cubs vs Nationals Lineup: Suzuki & PCA Back in the Field, No Ramirez, More

Shota Imanaga starts the series opener with the Nationals tonight in D.C.

Aug 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) is greeted after scoring against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cubs start a three-game series with the Washington Nationals, finishing their 6-game road trip in D.C. It's been a successful road trip so far, taking two of three from the Royals, now they hope to take another series against a middling NL team.

Tonight, it'll be Shota Imanaga taking the mound for the Cubs while the Nationals send Jake Irvin, who's working back from a shoulder injury. The Nationals are also without Slugger James Wood, who's on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain.

Game Info

Who: Chicago Cubs (69-50) at Washington Nationals (59-61)
Where: National Park - Washington, DC
When: 5:45 PM CT
Watch: Marquee Sports Network
Listen: 104.3 The Score, TUDN, WPPN 106.7 / TUDN

Chicago Cubs Lineup

1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
2. Seiya Suzuki, RF
3. Michael Busch, 1B
4. Alex Bregman, 3B
5. Ian Happ, LF
6. Nico Hoerner, 2B
7. Michael Conforto, DH
8. Carson Kelly, C
9. Dansby Swanson, SS

Nico Hoerner has been one of the Cubs' hottest hitters with a .900 OPS and 151 wRC+ in the 2nd. Hoerner's line drive rate has jumped from 22% in the 1st half to 34% in 23 games this 2nd half, and the line drives are leading to plenty of production for the Cubs.

Washington Nationals Lineup

1. Dylan Crews, RF
2. Andres Chaparro, 1B
3. Brady House, 3B
4. C.J. Abrams, SS
5. Harry Ford, C
6. Jacob Young, CF
7. Daylen Lile, DH
8. Nasim Nunez, 2B
9. Andrew Picknkey, LF

Nationals All-Star SS C.J. Abrams is having a massive season with 28 home runs and a .903 OPS with 22 stolen bases. He's well on his way to a 30-30 season.

Aug 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On the Mound ...

Cubs – Shota Imanaga LHP

Shota Imanaga was excellent in his last start against the Dodgers, going 5 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 8 hits and striking out 6 batters. Imanaga's 3.60 ERA on the season is solid, but he's been even better in his last 7 starts with a 1.77 ERA and allowing just 5 home runs in those starts.

He's also apparently throwing a slider now?

Shota Imanaga has a new pitch!

Shota debuted a new SLIDER on July 4th, and usage peaked August 5th at 9%. It borders on a cutter but functions like a normal slider, used primarily vs lefties and thrown to the outer half.

What's the difference between his slider and sweeper? The… pic.twitter.com/W79ypzQIYx

— Nate Roper (@NateRoper_) August 7, 2026

Imanaga actually faced off against Jake Irvin and the Nationals back in March, allowing a 3-run 1st-inning home run to Joey Wiemer (now a White Sox) in a 6-3 loss. Shota hopefully can keep the ball in the park tonight against a Nationals team missing James Wood.

Nationals – Jake Irvin, RHP

Jake Irvin has a 5.37 ERA this year, and this will be his first start against a non-NL East opponent since May 13th, and just his third start overall after missing two months with a right shoulder strain. He has a nasty fastball-sinker combo that he works his curveball off of when he gets ahead in the count.

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