Free MLB Picks Today: Washington Nationals vs Arizona Diamondbacks 6/22/23

The Arizona Diamondbacks (45-30) take one of the highest-scoring lineups in MLB on the road to face the Washington Nationals (28-45) at Nationals Park on Thursday for the opener of a one-game series.

The Diamondbacks are in the midst of a seven-game road trip. They won two out of three in their last series against the Brewers, taking the finale 5-1 on Wednesday at American Family Field. Alek Thomas was 3 for 5 with a double, one run, and one RBI.

The Nationals are in the midst of a seven-game homestand. They lost two of three against the Cardinals in their last series, taking the finale 3-0 on Wednesday at Nationals Park. CJ Abrams went 3 for 3 with a solo home run. Luis Garcia added two doubles and two runs.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Diamondbacks have won four of five in the season series between the teams, including a 6-2 victory in their most recent meeting on June 7 at Nationals Park. Zach Davies went 6.2 innings, giving up two runs on five hits and striking out eight, to get the win.

ON THE MOUND

Tommy Henry (3-1, 4.66 ERA) is set for the start for Arizona. The LHP allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 6-3 home win over the Guardians on Saturday. He gave up seven hits while striking out three and walking two in the no-decision.

Over two previous starts against the Nationals this season, Henry has allowed seven earned runs over 10.1 innings (0-0, 6.10). He has struck out five and walked five.

For Washington, RHP Jake Irvin (1-3, 5.25 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made one prior start against the Diamondbacks this season, giving up four runs (3 ER) over four innings in a 10-5 home defeat on June 6.

He gave up five hits and walked three while striking out one in the no-decision. In his last start on Saturday, Irvin took a no-decision at home against the Marlins. He threw five innings and gave up one run on four hits, striking out four and walking two in the 5-2 loss.

AT THE PLATE

The Arizona offense is averaging 5.2 runs per game for the season, fifth best in MLB, with a slash line of .264/.330/.440. Four Diamondbacks hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Corbin Carroll (.975).

The center fielder is slashing .303/.384/.591 with 16 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 55 runs over 72 games. Against righties like Irvin this season, the D-backs have a .783 OPS, fourth highest in MLB. Carroll also is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a 1.062 OPS in 184 at-bats.

Washington is slashing .261/.319/.389 for the season and averaging 4.1 runs per game, the third lowest in the NL. Lane Thomas leads the team with a .831 OPS.

The center fielder has 11 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 49 runs scored with a slash line of .290/.340/.491. The Nats have a .753 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a 1.051 OPS over 93 at-bats, Thomas also has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Arizona is 22-12 on the road in 2023, scoring 5.6 runs per game while allowing 4.9 runs. Washington has gone 13-26 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 3.7 runs per game while surrendering 5.4. Arizona is 6-4 in the last 10 games at Nationals Park between the teams with an average scoreline of 5.0-3.4.