Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Los Angeles Dodgers (27-13) will take on the Washington Nationals (14-28) Monday for the first game of a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET at Nationals Park in Washington, DC and can be viewed on MLB Network.  

Score Prediction

Dodgers 5, Nationals 2 

Best Bets 

  • Dodgers -1.5 (-135) at BetMGM
Updated on 03/29/2024
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals Betting Predictions

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter this matchup first in the NL West with a half-game lead over the second place Padres. Los Angeles is coming off a three-game road series against the Phillies, winning two of the three games. The offense has been the highest scoring team in baseball this season, averaging 5.35 runs per game. The bullpen has been excellent as well and have held opponents to three runs or less in 25 of their 40 games. The left-hander Tyler Anderson is scheduled to start on Monday. Anderson is 4-0 in seven games this season with an ERA of 4.04 and has given up 34 hits, 16 earned runs, and struck out 34 batters in 35.2 innings.  

The Nationals are currently in last place of the NL East standings, 13.5 games behind the New York Mets for first place. Washington most recently played Milwaukee in a three-game series, losing two, but avoiding the sweep by winning game three on Sunday. The offense has struggled this season and have scored two runs or less in five of their last seven games. Washington’s bullpen ranks amongst the bottom of the league, allowing opponents 5.01 runs per game. Right-handed pitcher Joan Adon is expected to take the mound Monday. Adon is 1-7 in eight games this season with an ERA of 6.12 and has given up 33 hits, 22 earned runs, and struck out 28 batters in 32.1 innings of work.  

There is not much hope for a struggling Washington team in this series. I like the Dodgers to cover the run line in game one. The Nationals bullpen is one of the worst in the league and should not see much success against a Dodgers lineup that has been on fire this season. Washington should struggle with their bats as well, as the Dodgers bullpen is one of, if not, the best in the league.  Expect the Dodgers to have their way tomorrow and cover the run line in this matchup.

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals Betting Odds

  • Dodgers -225
  • Nationals +180
  • Dodgers -1.5 (-135)
  • Nationals +1.5 (+110)
  • Over 9 (-110)
  • Under 9 (-110)

MLB Odds | World Series Odds | Expert Picks

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals Betting Resources

  • Date: Monday, May 23, 2022
  • Matchup: NL West vs. NL East
  • Stadium: Nationals Park
  • Location: Washington, D.C.
  • TV-Time: MLBN - 7:05 p.m.

Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Analysis

After losing to Philadelphia on Sunday, the Dodgers are now 27-13 SU, 24-16 ATS, and have an O/U record of 18-20-2. The total has gone over in eight of the Dodger’s last ten games. Following this trend, the total has gone over in five of their last six games when playing an NL East opponent. The Dodgers have gone 6-3 SU in their last nine road games and are 12-7 SU on the road this season.   

The Dodgers have had their bats working through their first 40 games. As a team Los Angeles has a batting average of .246 (7th), on base percentage of .332 (1st), slugging percentage of .415 (3rd), and have scored 217 runs (1st). The first baseman Freddie Freeman is having a great season with a batting average of .301 (46-153), three home runs, and 21 RBIs. Right fielder Mookie Betts is having himself a nice season as well with a batting average of .273 (42-154), 10 home runs, and 24 RBIs.  

Los Angeles arguably has the best bullpen in the MLB this season. As a team they are allowing opponents a batting average of .213 (1st), have a WHIP of 1.07 (1st), and have given up 129 runs (2nd). The left-hander Tyler Anderson is scheduled to start on Monday. Anderson is 4-0 in seven games this season with an ERA of 4.04 and has given up 34 hits, 16 earned runs, and struck out 34 batters in 35.2 innings. In his one outing against the Nationals last season, Anderson struck out four batters in 6.0 innings while allowing 10 hits and six earned runs.  

Washington Nationals Betting Analysis

The Nationals have lost seven of their last 10 games and are 14-28 SU, 16-26 ATS, and have an O/U record of 18-21-3. The total has gone under in four of Washington’s last five games against the Dodgers. Going against this trend, the total has gone over in six of their last seven when facing an opponent from the NL West. Washington is 1-5 SU in their last six home games against the Dodgers and 5-15 SU at home this season.  

Washington has not been able to get much going with their bats. As a team the Nationals have a batting average of .252 (4th), on base percentage of .316 (9th), slugging percentage of .360 (22nd), and have scored 167 runs (17th). Left fielder Yadiel Hernandez has been Washington’s most productive hitter with a batting average of .321 (36-112), three home runs, and 20 RBIs. The first baseman Josh Bell has been contributing as well with a batting average of .291 (43-148), four home runs, and 22 RBIs.  

The Nationals bullpen has given up five runs or more 24 times this season. As a team Washington is allowing opponents a batting average of .265 (29th), have a WHIP of 1.46 (28th), and have given up 217 runs (27th). Right-handed pitcher Joan Adon is expected to take the mound Monday. Adon is 1-7 in eight games this season with an ERA of 6.12 and has given up 33 hits, 22 earned runs, and struck out 28 batters in 32.1 innings of work. This will be the first time in Adon’s career pitching against the Dodgers.  

Key Players to Watch

  • LAD: Mookie Betts - OF (Last Game: 1-4, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB)
  • LAD: Freddie Freeman - 1B (Last Game: 0-5)
  • WSH: Juan Soto - OF (Last Game: 1-5, 2 RBI)
  • WSH: Nelson Cruz - DH (Last Game: 2-3, RBI)

Probable Pitchers

  • LAD: Tyler Anderson - LHP (4-0, 4.04 ERA, 34 K, 1.09 WHIP)
  • WSH: Joan Adon - RHP (1-7, 6.38 ERA, 31 K, 1.64 WHIP)

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals Betting Conclusion

I like the Dodgers to cover the run line in game one of this series. The Nationals have lost seven of their last 10 games, while the Dodgers have won seven of their last 10. I expect the Dodgers to dominate both sides of the ball throughout the entire series and wouldn’t be surprised to see them sweep Washington. Backing the Dodgers run line here.