**National League East Showdown: Washington Nationals vs. Cleveland Guardians Player Stats**

Starting Lineups and Key Stats

Washington Nationals

• 1B: Josh Bell (AVG .270, HR 13, RBI 48)
• 2B: Cesar Hernandez (AVG .283, OBP .345, SLG .398)
• SS: Luis Garcia (AVG .280, SB 12, OPS .732)
• 3B: Carter Kieboom (AVG .230, HR 6, RBI 22)
• LF: Juan Soto (AVG .310, HR 21, RBI 62, OBP .459)
• CF: Victor Robles (AVG .226, OBP .322, SLG .384)
• RF: Alex Call (AVG .262, OBP .340, SLG .435)
• C: Rene Rivera (AVG .215, OBP .273, SLG .343)
• P: Josiah Gray (ERA 5.48, WHIP 1.30, K/9 9.8)

Cleveland Guardians

• 1B: Josh Naylor (AVG .266, HR 15, RBI 54)
• 2B: Amed Rosario (AVG .285, OBP .345, SLG .412)
• SS: Andres Gimenez (AVG .282, OBP .331, SLG .449)
• 3B: Jose Ramirez (AVG .292, HR 22, RBI 75, OBP .372)
• LF: Steven Kwan (AVG .329, OBP .404, SLG .446)
• CF: Myles Straw (AVG .259, OBP .338, SLG .359)
• RF: Oscar Mercado (AVG .262, OBP .315, SLG .432)
• C: Austin Hedges (AVG .248, OBP .348, SLG .401)
• P: Triston McKenzie (ERA 3.45, WHIP 1.07, K/9 10.2)

Recent Form and Matchup History

The Washington Nationals have struggled in recent weeks, going 4-16 in their last 20 games. They currently sit in last place in the National League East with a record of 35-64.

The Cleveland Guardians, on the other hand, have been one of the hottest teams in the American League, going 18-8 in their last 26 games. They currently sit in first place in the American League Central with a record of 63-46.

The two teams have met three times this season, with the Guardians winning two of the three games.

Key Matchups

1. Juan Soto vs. Triston McKenzie

Soto is one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball, and he will be a tough test for McKenzie, who has been one of the most impressive young pitchers in the league this season.

2. Jose Ramirez vs. Josiah Gray

Ramirez is the Guardians' best hitter, and he will be looking to continue his strong season against Gray, who has struggled at times this year.

3. Steven Kwan vs. Victor Robles

Kwan is a rising star for the Guardians, and he will be facing off against Robles, who is one of the best young defenders in the game.

Prediction

The Guardians are a better team than the Nationals on paper, and they are also in much better form. However, Soto is a game-changer, and he could single-handedly lead the Nationals to an upset.

Overall, the Guardians are the slight favorites in this matchup, but the Nationals have a chance to pull off an upset if Soto can have a big game.

Player Analysis

Washington Nationals

• Juan Soto: Soto is the best player on the Nationals and one of the best hitters in baseball. He is a threat to hit for average, power, and speed.
• Josh Bell: Bell is a solid hitter who has been productive in the middle of the Nationals' lineup. He is a good power hitter who also has good on-base skills.
• Cesar Hernandez: Hernandez is a good contact hitter who can also steal bases. He is a valuable player at the top of the Nationals' lineup.
• **Luis Garcia: Garcia is a young player who has shown some promise this season. He is a good fielder and has the potential to be a good hitter.
• Carter Kieboom: Kieboom is a young player who has struggled at times this season. He is a good athlete who has the potential to be a good hitter.
• Victor Robles: Robles is a good defender who has the potential to be a good hitter. He is a fast runner who can also steal bases.
• Alex Call: Call is a solid hitter who has played well in a utility role this season. He can play multiple positions and is a good bench player.
• Rene Rivera: Rivera is a veteran catcher who has been a good mentor for the Nationals' young pitchers. He is not a great hitter, but he is a good defender.
• Josiah Gray: Gray is a young pitcher who has shown some promise this season. He has a good fastball and a developing changeup.

Cleveland Guardians

• Jose Ramirez: Ramirez is the best player on the Guardians and one of the best all-around players in baseball. He can hit for average, power, and speed.
• Josh Naylor: Naylor is a good hitter who has been productive in the middle of the Guardians' lineup. He is a good power hitter who also has good on-base skills.
• Amed Rosario: Rosario is a good contact hitter who can also steal bases. He is a valuable player at the top of the Guardians' lineup.
• Andres Gimenez: Gimenez is a young player who has shown some promise this season. He is a good fielder and has the potential to be a good hitter.
• Steven Kwan: Kwan is a rising star for the Guardians. He is a good hitter who can also play good defense.
• Myles Straw: Straw is a good defender who has the potential to be a good hitter. He is a fast runner who can also steal bases.
• Oscar Mercado: Mercado is a solid hitter who has played well in a utility role this season. He can play multiple positions and is a good bench player.
• Austin Hedges: Hedges is a good defender who has been a good mentor for the Guardians' young pitchers. He is not a great hitter, but he is a good fielder.
• Triston McKenzie: McKenzie is a young pitcher who has been one of the most impressive young pitchers in the league this season. He has a good fastball and a developing changeup.

Tables

Batting Statistics