The Houston Astros travel to Nationals Park on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, for a 6:45 PM ET showdown with the Washington Nationals. Right-hander Tatsuya Imai gets the start for Houston against Washington's Andrew Alvarez in what figures to be an intriguing mid-summer interleague matchup. With the second half of the season taking shape, every game in the win column matters — and the Astros will need Imai to eat innings and keep Washington's lineup in check from the opening pitch.

Astros Starter Tatsuya Imai Takes the Ball

Tatsuya Imai gets the nod for Houston on Tuesday night. The right-hander will face a Nationals lineup that has some genuine punch, particularly at the top of the order. Imai's assignment is straightforward: limit traffic on the bases and keep the game competitive deep into the middle innings so Houston's bullpen isn't asked to carry an oversized load.

For Washington, Andrew Alvarez draws the start against the Astros. Without available ERA or win-loss figures heading into this one, it's worth watching how the Houston offense attacks him early — the Astros have historically been a disciplined lineup that can work counts and create damage in bunches.

Washington Nationals Lineup to Watch

The Nationals are sending out a lineup worth respecting on Tuesday. James Wood leads off from right field — a young outfielder who has drawn significant attention for his tools. Luis García Jr. bats second at first base, followed by Curtis Mead at third base batting third. CJ Abrams slots in at cleanup as the designated hitter, with Keibert Ruiz behind the plate batting fifth.

Daylen Lile gets the start in left field batting sixth, Nasim Nuñez takes the seven-hole at shortstop, Jorbit Vivas hits eighth at second base, and Jacob Young rounds out the order batting ninth in center field. It's a lineup that blends youth and athleticism, and Imai will need to navigate it carefully.

Keys to Watch on Tuesday Night

• Imai's command early: How Imai handles the top of Washington's order — Wood, García Jr., and Mead — will set the tone for the entire night. Keeping the ball in the park and limiting walks is essential.
• Houston's offense against Alvarez: The Astros lineup is not yet confirmed, which adds a layer of uncertainty heading in. Watch for how Houston's hitters approach Alvarez in the first two times through the order.
• CJ Abrams at cleanup: Batting fourth as the DH, Abrams is a middle-of-the-order threat Washington clearly trusts to drive in runs. Imai will need a plan for him in high-leverage at-bats.
• Bullpen management: With a road game and no confirmed inning limits for Imai, the Astros' pitching staff depth could be tested if the starter runs into trouble.

Prediction

This is a game that hinges heavily on Imai's performance. Washington's lineup has the pieces to put up a crooked number if Houston's starter is anything less than sharp. That said, the Astros have the offensive capability to grind out runs against Alvarez regardless of what their confirmed lineup looks like. Expect a competitive, lower-scoring affair with the game likely decided in the sixth through eighth innings. Astros edge Washington, 4-3, in a game that goes down to the final few outs.

Catch the game on Space City Home Network or on the radio at KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2. Spanish-language coverage is available on KLTN-TUDN 102.9 FM.