The Arizona Diamondbacks (17-14), one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NL, are set to host the Washington Nationals (13-18) at Chase Field on Friday for the opener of a three-game series. The Nationals are kicking off a six-game road trip after wrapping up a seven-game homestand (4-3).
They won three out of four in their last series against the Cubs, taking the finale 4-3 on Thursday at Nationals Park. Lane Thomas was 1 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs. The Diamondbacks are returning home for a 10-game homestand.
They split their last series against the Rangers, taking the finale 12-7 on Wednesday at Globe Life Field. Christian Walker went 2 for 4 with two home runs, three runs, and five RBIs. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. added a home run and three runs.
The teams are meeting for the first time this season. In 2022, the Diamondbacks won four of the seven games between the teams, including two out of three in their most recent meeting at Chase Field in July.
ON THE MOUND
Josiah Gray (2-4, 2.67 ERA) is set to take the mound for Washington. The righty allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 7-2 road win over the Pirates on Sunday. He was credited with the win, yielding three hits while striking out six and walking three.
Gray made one start against the Diamondbacks in 2022, a 6-1 home victory on April 19. He surrendered one run on three hits over 5.1 innings, striking out eight and walking two.
For Arizona, righty Merrill Kelly (2-3, 3.06 ERA) is on the mound. Kelly made one start against the Nationals in 2022, throwing six innings in an 11-2 road win on April 20.
He gave up six hits and walked one, while striking out five in the win.In his last start on April 28, Kelly got the win on the road against the Rockies. He threw six innings and gave up one run on six hits, striking out five and walking one in the 9-1 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
The Washington offense is averaging 3.7 runs per game for the season, third lowest in MLB, with a slash line of .251/.316/.349. Victor Robles leads the team in OPS at .766. The right fielder is slashing .302/.394/.372 with eight RBIs and 13 runs over 29 games.
Against righties like Kelly this season, the Nats have a .626 OPS, third lowest in MLB. Jeimer Candelario is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .739 OPS in 83 at-bats.
Arizona is slashing .265/.319/.430 for the season and averaging 5.2 runs per game, third best in the NL. Corbin Carroll leads the team with a .912 OPS. The right fielder has four home runs, nine RBIs, and 20 runs scored with a slash line of .313/.376/.535.
Arizona is averaging 8.0 runs per game in the last five with a better slash line (.289/.363/.517). The D-backs have a .754 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .910 OPS over 70 at-bats, Carroll also has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Washington is 7-6 away from Nationals Park in 2023, scoring 4.8 runs per game while allowing 3.6 runs. Arizona has gone 8-6 at their home park this season, averaging 5.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.3.
In the last 10 games between the teams at Chase Field, each club has won five, though Arizona has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 6.2-5.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, eight games behind the division-leading Braves. The Diamondbacks are second in the NL West, one games behind the Dodgers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Arizona Diamondbacks (-190)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
