Rockies vs. Nationals: Probable Starters, Game Times, Etc.

Joe RutlandMon, July 20, 2026 at 12:53 AM UTC·3 min read

Despite Hunter Goodman's three-home run day for the Colorado Rockies against the Cincinnati Reds, the Rockies were not able to get a series victory on Sunday afternoon.

They get another chance to pick up one, though, as the Washington Nationals come into Coors Field for another three-game series at Coors Field.

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At this time, Colorado is 21 games below .500 at 40-61 and are way behind the National League West Division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.

The first three months of the 2026 MLB season really set the Rockies behind, yet the ballclub has rallied back in June and July to have better monthly records. In June, Colorado finished up at 11-15 and, so far in July, it is 7-8.

To put this in even more perspective, Colorado didn't notch its 40th win until much, much later in the 2025 season. But the team has its 40th win already, meaning that the ballclub has shown marked improvement.

Before this three-game series starts, let's look at the Rockies' and Nationals' probable starters.

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Rockies vs. Nationals: Probable Starters

LHP Kyle Freeland (2-8, 7.36) vs. LHP Andrew Alvarez (2-3, 4.04)

It's about time for Kyle Freeland to get his act together. That gaudy 7.36 ERA is not good, and he must come out strong on Monday night. As for the Nationals, Andrew Alvarez is coming into the game with a 4.04 ERA.

If one goes by ERA alone, then Alvarez has the advantage. Maybe the Rockies' batting order can change that around a bit.

RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-9, 6.22) vs. RHP Miles Mikolas (3-7, 5.53)

Michael Lorenzen is another pitcher who needs to have a solid outing. He was not sharp in his previous start. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer needs to see some length out of his starting pitchers, including Lorenzen.

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Miles Mikolas doesn't have a winning record and brings into Tuesday night's game a hefty 5.53 ERA. Can the Rockies get to Mikolas early and get him out of the game? The Nationals' bullpen has been one of the worst, if not the worst, in MLB this season.

It might be time for Goodman to hit a couple of more home runs here.

Wednesday. July 22

TBD vs. RHP Cade Cavalli (6-4, 3.78)

For Wednesday afternoon, the Rockies have not named a starting pitcher. That decision might come down on Monday afternoon or even on Tuesday. Rockies fans will have to wait and see what Schaeffer decides.

For the Nationals, Cade Cavalli will bring in a respectful 6-4 season record and a 3.78 ERA. Cavalli has one of the better records among all starters in this series. Washington might want him to show his best stuff against the Rockies.

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Should he do this, then look for the Nationals to take this third game.

Monday's and Tuesday's first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. MT.

On Wednesday, they will have a first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. MT.

All games of this series will be shown on Rockies.TV and can be heard, if you are in the Denver metropolitan area, on KOA Radio.

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