By Stephen Nover
Nationals plus $1.35 hosting Phillies
A few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have gone against Zack Wheeler. But now, at this plus price, I’ll toss a peanut on Washington.
I get the Nationals are in rebuild mode. But they still have respectable power with Juan Soto and Josh Bell.
Perhaps Wheeler has hit a wall as he’s 0-3 with a 6.53 ERA in his last three starts. Career-wise versus the Nationals, he’s 7-14 with a 4.53 ERA. Wheeler is 1-3 with a 4.11 ERA in five games against Washington this season.
Promising Josiah Gray gets the pitching call for Washington. He’s produced quality starts in each of his last three outings and has a 2.89 ERA in 28 innings since coming to Washington from the Dodgers. Only once in five August starts has Gray allowed as many as three runs in a game.
The Phillies are not a good road team – 27-36. They also have injuries. Rhys Hoskins, who has a team-best 27 homers, could miss the rest of the season due to a groin injury. Star catcher J.T. Realmuto is questionable after leaving Sunday’s game against the Diamondbacks with an ankle injury.
(If you are interested in my sports service, please email me at scriber26@gmail.com, or message me via Twitter. I went 10-6 during preseason as I look to beat the NFL for the 25th time in 28 years. All plays come with analysis and are emailed well in advance of post. Thanks and best of luck!)
