The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals play the second game of a 3-game series Wednesday at Nationals Park.

Washington’s rebuild started in July of 2021 when stars Max Scherzer and Trea Turner were dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a prospect package headlined by Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray. Both Ruiz and Gray have futures with Washington, as Gray was an All-Star in 2023 and Ruiz is quietly having a great season in 2025.

The Washington Nationals have found their ace, but they have failed to provide him with enough run support to be successful.

C.J. Abrams and the Washington Nationals take on Seiya Suzuki and the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, June 3 at 6:45 p.m. ET (on MASN and MARQ). Looking for MLB tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live.

Until these other guys step up, the Nationals offense is going to be feast or famine. When the big guys are carrying the lineup, the offense will look great, but when they aren’t playing at a super human level, the offense will sputter. This is something Mike Rizzo will have to fix in the years to come.

The Washington Nationals have enjoyed a breakout season from their young ace, who has played himself into the chance to enter rarified air.