Bradley Lord: Everything you need to know

Lord allowed one run on four hits over 2.1 innings of relief Thursday, getting credited for the win in a 10-4 victory over the Cubs. He struck out one without walking a batter. Cade Cavalli got the start but recorded only 11 outs on 75 pitches before getting the hook, and Lord was the Nat reliever handed the win by the official scorer. Lord is likely to have a versatile role out of the bullpen, getting used for longer stints but also potentially being a part of the high-leverage mix after the right-hander posted a 4.34 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 108:43 K:BB over 130.2 innings as a rookie in 2025 while starting 19 of his 48 appearances.

Lord indicated Thursday that he was no longer being built up as a starter, Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic reports. The 26-year-old righty has thrown 12.1 innings over five spring appearances (one start) with a 2.19 ERA and 8:3 K:BB, but it appears the Nationals are more comfortable with him in a long relief role. Lord worked three scoreless innings and 36 pitches (27 strikes) out of the bullpen in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, allowing one hit and one walk with three strikeouts, and he could piggyback Zack Littell early in the season while the late signing gets fully stretched out. As a rookie in 2025, Lord posted a 4.34 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 108:43 K:BB in 130.2 innings over 48 appearances (19 starts).

Lord (5-10) yielded five runs on five hits and two walks over four innings Sunday, striking out four and taking a loss against the White Sox. Lord coughed up three home runs in the ugly loss, including Miguel Vargas' two-run shot in the first inning. Lord had given up three long balls over his previous 23 innings before Sunday's contest. He entered August with a 3.27 ERA but will finish the 2025 campaign with a 4.34 ERA over 130.2 frames. Lord produced a 2.79 ERA in 38.2 innings out of the bullpen. He also registered a 108:43 K:BB during his rookie season.