Cubs @ Nationals Series Preview (July 30-August 1): TV and Game Info, Starting Pitchers, Insights

An unusual series is going to take place this weekend in Washington DC. The Cubs and the Nationals; two teams that won World Championships in the last five years are in the process of blowing up their teams. By the time you’re reading this the trade deadline may have come and gone, but as of right now it’s unclear how big the break up is going to be.

Stars like Anthony Rizzo, Max Scherzer, Trea Turner,  and Kyle Schwarber have already been traded and others such as Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel are likely to be moved. It seems doubtful that anyone will really be paying attention to what’s going on in the games this weekend.

Expect these games to have more of a spring training feel about them than that of a regular season contest. Lineups will be shuffled and unfamiliar players will be playing in unfamiliar places. It’s going to be a bit of an adjustment for all involved. The Cubs have made their decision and they’re starting a rebuild whether fans like it or not.

This will be a chance for younger players to earn roles on next year’s team. It may be that these games are meaningless in the standings but they will be important for those players. Either way, they’re going to be to be played so might as well use them for a good purpose.

I can’t add much more than to say this isn’t fun, I wish it wasn’t going on, however, this is what we have to deal with so here it is.

Game time and broadcast info

• Friday, July 30 at 6:05pm CT on MLB Network (out of market only) and Marquee
• Saturday, July 31 at 6:05pm CT on Marquee
• Sunday, August 1 at 12:05pm CT on Marquee

Starting Pitchers 

What to Watch For

• Hendricks remains the only bright spot in the starting rotation amid an otherwise mediocre staff.
• With Rizzo in New York, it will be interesting to see who becomes the Cubs everyday first baseman.
• Despite all the other turnover, Juan Soto is still in the Nationals lineup and is always a threat.