Zack Littell: Everything you need to know

Littell did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 8-7 loss to the Marlins, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and one walk without recording a strikeout over four innings. Littell entered with a 4-0 lead but was unimpressive, generating just two swinging strikes on 69 pitches and failing to register a strikeout for the first time this season. While the 30-year-old is not known for his ability to get whiffs, he's now induced just three total punchouts over his last four outings while working in bulk relief during his past two. Additionally, he owns an ugly 6.94 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 17:13 K:BB across 36.1 innings so far in 2026. Should Littell draw a start in his next appearance, it would likely come at home against Baltimore next weekend.

Littell (1-4) earned the win Sunday against the Brewers, allowing one run on one hit and one walk in 3.2 innings. He struck out one. Working behind opener PJ Poulin on Sunday, Littell quietly gave the Nationals one of his better performances of 2026 in long relief. It was just the right-hander's second appearance of the year with fewer than three runs allowed, and he kept the ball in the yard for just the second time in seven outings this season. Littell still has a rough 7.24 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 17:12 K:BB over 32.1 innings, so fantasy managers can likely find more appealing streaming options.

Littell is expected to pitch in bulk relief behind opening pitcher PJ Poulin in Sunday's game against the Brewers, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports. Poulin is expected pitch no more than one or two innings before giving way to Littell, who will work behind an opener for the second time all season. The Nationals are hoping that the arrangement will yield better results from Littell, who has pitched to an 8.37 ERA and 1.77 WHIP over 23.2 innings while starting in his last five appearances.