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Washington Nationals: When Is Opening Day 2022?

By Max Rayman

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 03: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park on October 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 03: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals bats against the Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park on October 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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After a grueling 99 days, MLB and the MLBPA have finally come to an agreement on a new CBA, ending the lockout. Meaning Opening Day is right around the corner. Now, the Washington Nationals can finally start putting the finishing pieces to their 2022 roster.

Despite original reports of games being canceled, Washington is set to play 162 games, with plenty of nine-inning doubleheaders scheduled throughout the year. While many teams Opening Days opponent has changed, the Nationals will still face off against their rival.

When is Washington Nationals Opening Day 2022?

The two teams are still set to face off on April 7, but instead of in New York, it will be at Nationals Park. This marks the fourth time since 2015 these two teams are facing off on Opening Day, with the Mets usually coming out on top. In fact, the last time Washington beat the Mets on Opening Day was back in 2003, before they had even left Montreal.

During the Mets and Nationals’ last four Opening Day matchups, it usually ends with Jacob deGrom outdueling Max Scherzer in terrific pitching duels. However, that is no longer the case with the long-time Nationals ace now a member of the Mets.

The Mets were busy before the lockout, signing not just Scherzer, but Mark Canha, Starling Marte, and Eduardo Escobar. They now enter the season as favorites to win the NL East.

It is unknown who will start Opening Day for the Nats, but Patrick Corbin is the likely front-runner to get the nod. But after his awful 2021 season, this decision might not ooze confidence.

Other candidates include Stephen Strasburg who had season-ending surgery in 2021. He is still recovering and who knows if he will be ready when the season starts. Similar to Strasburg, Joe Ross’s 2021 season ended prematurely due to injuries. The righty opted against surgery and it is unknown when he will be fully healthy.

Another name to keep an eye on is Josiah Gray. One of the prizes in the Scherzer/Turner trade, Gray is seen as the future of the Nationals rotation.

While having to wait a few extra weeks for MLB to return is unfortunate, knowing that first pitch right around the corner makes it worth it.

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