Littell allowed one run on three hits over three innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets. He struck out two without walking a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Facing a split-squad lineup headlined by younger players like Brett Baty and top prospect Carson Benge, Littell tossed 28 of 39 pitches for strikes in his first spring start since signing a one-year deal with the Nationals on March 8. The veteran right-hander should be able to make two more starts prior to Opening Day, which likely won't be enough time to get fully built up, but Littell would likely be stretched out enough to factor into Washington's first turn through the rotation. If he needs to be held back, Brad Lord appears to be the most likely candidate to make a spot start in Littell's place. Over a career-high 186.1 regular-season innings in 2025 between the Rays and Reds, Littell posted a 3.81 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 130:32 K:BB.

Littell agreed to a one-year contract with the Nationals on Sunday, Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander produced a 3.81 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 130:32 K:BB across 186.2 regular-season innings between the Rays and Reds last season, but he was unable to secure a contract for 2026 until well after the start of spring training. There's now less than three weeks until Opening Day, so Littell doesn't have a ton of time to get built up for the start of the season. Once ready to go, the 30-year-old Littell should step in as Washington's staff ace with Cade Cavalli and Josiah Gray otherwise positioned at the top of the rotation.

Littell took the loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series. He allowed three runs on six hits while striking out two without a walk over 3.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds staked Littell to a two-run lead before he took the mound, but he ultimately gave the lead back with three runs allowed over the third and fourth innings. Littell was lifted after 52 pitches -- an understandably quick hook from manager Terry Francona with the season on the line. Littell served up 36 home runs during the regular season, second most in the majors, but he nonetheless managed a highly respectable 3.81 and 1.10 WHIP over 186.2 innings between Tampa Bay and Cincinnati. The soon-to-be 30-year-old is a free agent this winter.

Littell will start Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell hadn't been particularly effective down the stretch of the regular season, accruing a 4.91 ERA over 25.2 frames during his final five appearances, but he'll toe the rubber in LA for Game 2. He found success in his last start against the Dodgers on July 30, allowing two hits and four walks while striking out four across five scoreless innings.

Littell came away with a no-decision in Friday's 3-1 win over the Brewers, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander needed 85 pitches (55 strikes) to record 14 outs, and with the Reds in a tight race for a wild-card spot, Littell was lifted from a 1-1 tie after Jackson Chourio reached on an error in the fifth inning. Assuming Littell doesn't pitch again in the regular season, he wraps up his 2025 campaign with a career-high 10 wins, along with a 3.81 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 130:32 K:BB through 186.2 innings split between Cincy and Tampa Bay.

Littell (10-8) earned the win against the Cubs on Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts over five innings.

EDGE Analysis

Littell allowed two solo homers but was otherwise steady, throwing 47 of 73 pitches for strikes and exiting with a 3-2 lead. Since joining the Reds, the 29-year-old has gone 2-0 over nine starts despite surrendering four or more runs in five of those outings. He'll carry a 3.86 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 127:30 K:BB across 182 innings this season into a road matchup with the Brewers next weekend.

Littell did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing four runs on five hits and no walks over 5.2 innings against St. Louis. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

Littell ran out of steam Monday, giving up three of his four runs in the sixth inning before being pulled. Since being dealt at the trade deadline, he hasn't replicated his Tampa Bay form, where he logged a 3.58 ERA across 22 starts and 133.1 innings, instead posting a 4.74 ERA over eight starts and 43.2 frames with Cincinnati.

Littell took a no-decision Tuesday against the Padres, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Tuesday's showing was a major improvement for Littell, who had matched a season worst with four home runs allowed his last time out. The veteran right-hander leads MLB with 34 homers given up in 2025, although he's served up just two long balls over four road starts since joining the Reds as opposed to six big flies across three home outings for Cincinnati. Littell's next appearance is slated for next week in St. Louis, where he'll take a 3.80 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 119:29 K:BB through 170.2 frames this year.

Littell allowed five runs on seven hits and a walk across 4.1 innings in a no-decision Wednesday against the Blue Jays. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

Littell was hurt by the long ball Wednesday, with all five runs charged to the right-hander coming on four homers. Littell's given up seven home runs in his last three starts (14.1 innings) -- he sports a 4.78 ERA in six starts (32 innings) with the Reds after posting a 3.58 mark in 22 outings (133.1 innings) with Tampa Bay. Littell is currently scheduled to face the Padres on the road his next time out.

Littell didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 7-5 extra-inning loss to the Cardinals, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits over seven innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Some shaky defense, including a catcher's interference call on Jose Trevino in the third inning, helped Littell salvage a quality start -- his third in five outings for Cincinnati. The right-hander sports a 3.90 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB through 27.2 innings with his new club, and he'll look for his first win since Aug. 5 in his next trip to the mound, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Blue Jays.