Free MLB Picks Today: Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins 9/16/22

Two of the least productive offenses in baseball are set to face off at Nationals Park on Friday as the Miami Marlins (59-85) are on the road to face the Washington Nationals (49-94) for the opener of a three-game series. The Marlins are heading on the road after an eight-game homestand (3-5). They won only one out of three in their last series against the Phillies, taking the finale 5-3 on Thursday at loanDepot park. Garrett Cooper was 2 for 4 with a double and one run. The Nationals are coming off a two-game sweep at the hands of the Orioles, dropping the finale 6-2 on Wednesday at Nationals Park for their fifth straight loss. Riley Adams went 2 for 3 with a solo home run and a double.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Marlins have won 12 of 13 in the season series between the NL East rivals, including a 3-2 victory in 10 innings in their most recent meeting on July 4 at Nationals Park. Jimmy Yacabonis threw one scoreless inning in relief to get the win, and Dylan Floro earned his second save.

ON THE MOUND

Jesus Luzardo (3-7, 3.36 ERA) is set to get the start for Miami. The southpaw allowed five runs over 3.1 innings in his last start, a 9-3 road defeat against the Mets on Sunday. He took the loss, giving up six hits while striking out three and walking three. Luzardo is making his first appearance against the Nationals this season. Over three starts against the Nationals in 2021, Luzardo was 0-2 with a 9.69 ERA over 13 innings. He had six strikeouts and seven walks. Righty Josiah Gray (7-9, 4.91 ERA) is on the mound for Washington. He has made four appearances against the Marlins this season, all as the starter, giving up 13 runs over 22.1 innings (0-2, 5.24) with 29 strikeouts and six walks. In his last start on September 8, Gray took a no-decision on the road against the Cardinals. He threw 3.1 innings and gave up four runs on six hits, striking out three and walking three in the 11-6 victory.

AT THE PLATE

The Miami offense is averaging 3.6 runs per game for the season, third lowest in MLB, with a slash line of .228/.293/.361. Miguel Rojas leads the team in OPS at .607. The shortstop is slashing .234/.282/.325 with six home runs, 32 RBIs, and 33 runs over 127 games. Against righties like Gray this season, the Fish have a .674 OPS, fifth lowest in the league. Cooper is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .779 OPS in 301 at-bats. Washington is slashing .251/.314/.381 for the season and averaging 3.8 runs per game, third lowest in the NL. Lane Thomas leads the team with a .725 OPS. The center fielder has 15 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 54 runs scored with a slash line of .252/.305/.420. The Nats have a .681 OPS against lefties in 2022. With a .755 OPS over 111 at-bats, Victor Robles has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Miami is 30-42 in road games in 2022, scoring 3.6 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. Washington has gone 22-49 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 3.7 runs per game while surrendering 5.3. Miami is 9-1 in the last 10 games at Nationals Park between the teams with an average scoreline of 4.4-3.1.