Yoendrys Gomez, White Sox pursue positive finish vs. Nationals

The Washington Nationals head into the final weekend of a disappointing 2025 season on Friday with the opener of a three-game interleague series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

After recording consecutive 71-91 seasons that included the arrival of several prospects, there was some reason for optimism in the nation's capital entering this campaign. That quickly faded for the Nationals (65-94), who will finish last in the National League East as they conclude their sixth straight losing season.

The White Sox, meanwhile, essentially had nowhere to go but up and will finish with a better record than their historically horrific season in 2024, when they set a modern MLB record with 121 losses.

Chicago (58-101) was on track to avoid 100 losses until a disastrous September. The White Sox enter the final weekend of the season having lost five straight games and 11 of 12.

They will send Yoendrys Gomez (3-3, 4.92 ERA) to start Friday's game against fellow right-hander Cade Cavalli (3-1, 4.23).

Acquired on waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers in May, Gomez was soon designated for assignment. He was called up from Triple-A Charlotte in August and will be making his ninth start.

"He's somebody we were able to get off waivers and then get back again," manager Will Venable said of Gomez, who is 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA as a starter.

"He's gone to work and provided us with some really quality innings."

Gomez, who has yet to face the Nationals in his career, gave up three runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 7-3 loss to the San Diego Padres on Saturday.

Cavalli, who will be making his 10th start since his return from injury in August, continues to make a strong case for a rotation spot in 2026. In his last start, the 27-year-old permitted five hits and struck out three batters over five scoreless innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets.

"It was attack and execute," Cavalli said. "It's a simple game plan, but I take it to heart. When I'm out there, it's just: See the glove, go execute. I don't really hear the environment."

Minus one poor start against the New York Yankees on Aug. 27, Cavalli has pitched to a 2.98 ERA in eight starts. He has yet to face the White Sox in his career.

Chicago has scored three runs or fewer in 10 of its last 11 losses.

Michael A. Taylor's two-run homer gave the White Sox a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning against the New York Yankees on Thursday. Chicago, however, dropped a 5-3 decision.

Washington completed the road portion of its schedule with a 4-3 win at the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.

James Wood homered twice and Josh Bell also went deep.

Wood struggled after the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, but has now homered in three of his last five at-bats to boost his home run total to 30 on the season.

"It's definitely cool," Wood said of reaching 30 homers in his first full season. "It's something I was reaching towards and kind of scaring myself a little bit. But it feels good to get it."

Despite his second-half struggles, Wood has 92 RBIs, 86 runs scored and 15 stolen bases. He was hitting .278 at the break and is now batting .256.

--Field Level Media