Free MLB Picks Today: Washington Nationals vs San Diego Padres 5/23/23

Free MLB Picks Today: Washington Nationals vs San Diego Padres 5/23/23
Tue 23rd May 2023

Two of the least productive lineups in the NL are set to face off at Nationals Park on Tuesday as the San Diego Padres (21-26) are on the road to face the Washington Nationals (20-27) to open a three-game series.The Padres are playing their first of nine games on the road after wrapping up a rough six-game homestand (2-4).

They won only one out of three in their last series against the Red Sox, taking the finale 7-0 on Sunday at Petco Park. Matt Carpenter was 1 for 3 with a home run, two runs, and three RBIs. Rougned Odor added two doubles and four RBIs.

The Nationals are in the midst of a six-game homestand. They won two of three against the Tigers in their last series, taking the finale 6-4 on Sunday at Nationals Park. Riley Adams went 4 for 4 with a solo home run and two doubles.

Jeimer Candelario went 4 for 5 with one run. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. Last season, the Padres won four of the seven games between the teams, although they split their most recent four-game series at Petco Park in August.

ON THE MOUND

Yu Darvish (2-3, 3.56 ERA) is slated for the start for San Diego. The RHP allowed four runs over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 4-3 road defeat against the Royals on Wednesday. He was charged with the loss, scattering six hits while striking out six and walking two.

Over two starts against the Nationals in 2022, Darvish was 0-2 with a 4.40 ERA over 14.1 innings. He had 15 strikeouts and one walk. Left-hander MacKenzie Gore (3-3, 3.69 ERA) gets the ball for Washington.

In his last start on Wednesday, Gore took the loss on the road against the Marlins. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up four runs on five hits, striking out seven and walking two in the 4-3 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

The San Diego offense is averaging 3.9 runs per game for the season, second lowest in the National League, with a slash line of .222/.312/.379. Juan Soto leads the team in OPS at .871.

The right fielder is slashing .248/.398/.473 with eight home runs, 21 RBIs, and 24 runs over 47 games. Against southpaws like Gore this season, the Padres have a .739 OPS.

Manny Machado is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a .938 OPS in 45 at-bats. Washington is slashing .263/.324/.382 for the season and averaging 4.1 runs per game, third lowest in the NL. Lane Thomas leads the team with a .787 OPS.

The center fielder has six home runs, 23 RBIs, and 30 runs scored with a slash line of .290/.344/.443. The Nats have a .661 OPS against right-handers in 2023, fifth lowest in the league. With a .841 OPS over 121 at-bats, Candelario has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

San Diego is on a five-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 9-11 in 2023. The Padres have scored 3.7 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.2 runs.

Washington has gone 10-15 at their home park this season, averaging 3.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. San Diego is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Nationals Park with an average scoreline of 8.1-4.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Padres are fourth in the NL West, seven games behind the division-leading Dodgers. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, nine games behind the Braves.

SportsTips’ MLB Pick:

SD Padres (-155)

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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.

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