Free MLB Picks Today: Washington Nationals vs Oakland Athletics 8/31/22

The Oakland Athletics (+140) are on the road to face the Washington Nationals (-165) at Nationals Park on Wednesday. The early total was set at 8.5 runs (O: -110 | U: -110). The Athletics (49-81) took Tuesday’s series opener 10-6. Starter Cole Irvin got the win, giving up five runs on nine hits over 5.1 innings and striking out six. Tony Kemp was 3 for 4 with two doubles, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Sean Murphy went 3 for 5 with a home run, two runs, and five RBIs. Joey Meneses went 3 for 5 with three doubles, one run, and two RBIs for the Nationals (43-86). Lane Thomas added a home run, two runs, and two RBIs.

ON THE MOUND

James Kaprielian (3-8, 4.29 ERA) is set to get the start for Oakland. The RHP allowed eight runs over 2.2 innings in his last start, a 13-4 road defeat against the Yankees on Thursday. He took the loss, giving up seven hits while striking out two and walking six. Righty Anibal Sanchez (0-5, 5.72 ERA) takes the mound for Washington. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Athletics. In his last start on August 24, Sanchez took a no-decision on the road against the Mariners. He threw 4.1 scoreless innings and gave up two hits, striking out two and walking two in the 3-1 win.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Oakland has averaged 4.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 3.4, while performing better across the board (.230/.287/.362). Against right-handed pitchers like Sanchez this season, the A’s have a .619 OPS, the second lowest in the league. Seth Brown is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .746 OPS in 327 at-bats. Washington is averaging only 3.4 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 3.7 for the season. The Nats have a .688 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .670 OPS over 280 at-bats, Keibert Ruiz has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Oakland is 27-37 away from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 2022, scoring 4.0 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Washington has gone 20-47 at home this season, averaging 3.7 runs per game while surrendering 5.4.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Athletics are fifth in the AL West, 34 games behind the division-leading Astros. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 38 games behind the Mets.