Braves host Nationals at Truist Park: Game preview & forecast
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 25: Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning during the baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 25, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/
ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves kick off the weekend at Truist Park looking to build on their division lead as they continue their home series against the Washington Nationals.
Coming off a thrilling 5-4 victory on Thursday evening, the NL East-leading Braves (64-45) face a Washington squad (55-55) aiming to make up ground in the standings. First pitch on Friday night is set for 7:15 p.m.
Pitching matchup
Big picture view:
Right-hander Bryce Elder is likely to take the mound for Atlanta in Friday night's matchup. Elder enters the start with a 6-6 record, a 3.96 ERA, and 98 strikeouts across 113.2 innings pitched this season. He will look to give Atlanta depth on the mound and keep Washington’s opportunistic offense quiet early.
The Nationals probable counter is veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas (3-7, 5.65 ERA), who will try to bounce back against a Braves lineup ranking near the top of the league in slugging percentage.
Players to watch
Local perspective:
For the Braves, Matt Olson continues to anchor the middle of Atlanta's order, leading the club with 28 home runs and 54 extra-base hits. Ozzie Albies brings momentum into the weekend after driving in eight runs over his last 10 games, while Michael Harris II continues to deliver clutch hits in late-inning situations.
The other side:
The Nationals star shortstop. CJ Abrams, remains Washington’s biggest threat, carrying 27 home runs and 82 RBIs into the weekend set.
What will the weather be like at Truist Park?
If you are heading out to Truist Park or spending time at The Battery Atlanta this weekend, here is what the FOX 5 Storm Team is tracking for weather conditions:
- Friday evening (7:15 p.m. first pitch): Prime baseball weather. Expect low humidity and clear skies, with kickoff temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s dropping comfortably into the 70s after sunset.
- Saturday afternoon: Scattered storm threat. Warm and humid conditions build up with a high around 84 degrees. Scattered afternoon and early evening storms will move through Metro Atlanta, so pack rain gear and prepare for potential tarp delays.
- Sunday afternoon: Warm with pop-up showers. Highs reach near 86 degrees. Typical late-summer pattern with isolated pop-up showers possible during afternoon play.
Gates at Truist Park open two hours prior to scheduled first pitch times throughout the weekend.
The Source: This story references the Braves schedule, player stats from MLB.com, posted information regarding Truist Park access, and the FOX 5 Storm Team forecast.