The Yankees’ series opener in Washington got pushed back Friday night, with the Nationals choosing to delay first pitch as they monitored weather in the area.
The game was originally set for 6:45 PM EST, but at 6:07 PM EST, the Nationals made it official that the start would be delayed. The issue wasn’t a heavy downpour or any kind of mechanical problem. It was a weather system moving through the area, and Washington opted to be cautious.
That means New York’s latest trip has already run into a little turbulence after the club spent the previous day dealing with the kind of weather problems that come with playing outdoors. At least this one didn’t involve the kind of travel mess the Boston Red Sox endured in Chicago.
The matchup still carries plenty of power on both sides. The Nationals enter with MLB’s second-most home runs in 2026, while the Yankees sit first in the league in that category, holding a 135-132 edge. New York had been stumbling toward the break before finishing stronger in its finale at The Trop, where the Yankees got to Rays starter Drew Rasmussen and Aaron Judge eventually signaled to the bullpen.
Whenever the game gets underway, Friday night’s pitching matchup is set to feature Ryan Weathers for the Yankees against left-hander Carson Palmquist for Washington.
For now, the only thing left is the wait. The hope is that the delay stays short and the Yankees can get this one in without forcing a doubleheader or creating any extra scheduling headaches before players head to Philadelphia for the All-Star Game festivities.
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