The Cubs start a three-game series with the Washington Nationals, finishing their 6-game road trip in D.C. It's been a successful road trip so far, taking two of three from the Royals, now they hope to take another series against a middling NL team. Tonight, it'll be Shota Imanaga taking the mound for the Cubs while the Nationals send Jake Irvin, who's working back from a shoulder injury. The Nationals are also without Slugger James Wood, who's on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain. Game InfoWho: Chicago Cubs (69-50) at Washington Nationals (59-61)Where: National Park - Washington, DC When: 5:45 PM CTWatch: Marquee Sports NetworkListen: 104.3 The Score, TUDN, WPPN 106.7 / TUDNChicago Cubs LineupPete Crow-Armstrong, CFSeiya Suzuki, RFMichael Busch, 1BAlex Bregman, 3BIan Happ, LFNico Hoerner, 2BMichael Conforto, DHCarson Kelly, CDansby Swanson, SSNico Hoerner has been one of the Cubs' hottest hitters with a .900 OPS and 151 wRC+ in the 2nd. Hoerner's line drive rate has jumped from 22% in the 1st half to 34% in 23 games this 2nd half, and the line drives are leading to plenty of production for the Cubs. Washington Nationals LineupDylan Crews, RFAndres Chaparro, 1BBrady House, 3BC.J. Abrams, SSHarry Ford, CJacob Young, CFDaylen Lile, DHNasim Nunez, 2BAndrew Picknkey, LFNationals All-Star SS C.J. Abrams is having a massive season with 28 home runs and a .903 OPS with 22 stolen bases. He's well on his way to a 30-30 season.Aug 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectOn the Mound ...Cubs – Shota Imanaga LHPShota Imanaga was excellent in his last start against the Dodgers, going 5 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 8 hits and striking out 6 batters. Imanaga's 3.60 ERA on the season is solid, but he's been even better in his last 7 starts with a 1.77 ERA and allowing just 5 home runs in those starts. He's also apparently throwing a slider now?Shota Imanaga has a new pitch!Shota debuted a new SLIDER on July 4th, and usage peaked August 5th at 9%. It borders on a cutter but functions like a normal slider, used primarily vs lefties and thrown to the outer half.What's the difference between his slider and sweeper? The… pic.twitter.com/W79ypzQIYx— Nate Roper (@NateRoper_) August 7, 2026Imanaga actually faced off against Jake Irvin and the Nationals back in March, allowing a 3-run 1st-inning home run to Joey Wiemer (now a White Sox) in a 6-3 loss. Shota hopefully can keep the ball in the park tonight against a Nationals team missing James Wood.Nationals – Jake Irvin, RHPJake Irvin has a 5.37 ERA this year, and this will be his first start against a non-NL East opponent since May 13th, and just his third start overall after missing two months with a right shoulder strain. He has a nasty fastball-sinker combo that he works his curveball off of when he gets ahead in the count. Sign up for our free newsletter to stay up-to-date with all things Chicago Cubs.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow