Prediction for Dodgers vs. Nationals – Monday, May 23rd, 2022

The Washington Nationals had a memorable playoff series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019. Washington went on to win the World Series, but the teams have gone in different directions.

Los Angeles has the second-best record in the majors, and Washington has the second-worst. It’s hard to find a much bigger difference between two teams. Still, we see plenty of big upsets in the MLB.

We know the Dodgers will open as the favorite for Monday’s matchup. Let’s see how the odds look for Los Angeles and Washington.

Everyone knew the Los Angeles Dodgers would open as the favorite. This seems like a fair price considering they’re the road team. Do you think the MLB sportsbooks made the right decision?

Los Angeles has the second-best record against the spread, covering in 60 percent of their games. The Washington Nationals are dead last, covering in 38.1 percent of their games.

Will the run total give us a closer comparison? Yes! The Dodgers have gone over their run total in 47.4 percent of their games. Washington is right behind, achieving that mark in 46.2 percent of their games.

The Dodgers have a few injuries to their rotation and bullpen, but their lineup should be good. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for the Nationals. Nelson Cruz suffered an ankle injury on Sunday, and Alcides Escobar has missed the last two games.

Let’s see how each team enters Monday’s matchup.

It wasn’t long ago that the Los Angeles Dodgers lost five of six games. However, they answered that with a six-game win streak. That ended with a disappointing extra-inning loss on Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Washington Nationals haven’t had much to celebrate in 2022. They haven’t won consecutive games since May 1 and 3. They’re 5-12 since a victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Juan Soto had a strong start to the season, but he is in the midst of a cold streak. Check out his numbers in his last six games.

The only solace is he continues to walk at a high rate. Still, the Nationals need hits to produce runs. If he isn’t producing, I don’t know how they’ll keep up with the Dodgers.

Los Angeles has many players producing, including former Nationals shortstop Trea Turner. Mookie Betts didn’t have a great start to 2022, but he has been on fire in May. He’s hitting .316 with six home runs and 17 RBIs.

Washington’s offense has been among the worst in the majors, but they had eight runs on Sunday in a victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. They’ll need a similar effort to pull off the upset.

The pitching matchup will play a significant factor in Monday’s matchup. Let’s compare the starters.

Obviously, Joan Adon’s ERA is not what you’d like to see. However, his 23 walks have to make Nationals fans cringe. The lack of command is a killer for a team fighting for wins.

Anderson’s ERA is much higher than his season performance. He has allowed two or fewer runs in six of his seven starts. Can he do the same against the Nationals?

We had to go heavy on the Los Angeles Dodgers offense for my same game parlay. The value means you’ll earn nearly $1,000 on a $100 bet.

We talked about Mookie Betts’ red-hot streak. He continues to do everything well, but the best aspect of his game is scoring runs. Betts leads the MLB with 40 runs in 38 games. That has him on pace to be the first player in the last 80 years to record 160+ runs.

He has at least one run in ten straight games. Betts has multiple runs in three of his last six games. I’m all for the value of this prop.

Cesar Hernandez has quietly been producing in his first season with the Washington Nationals. He is hitting .276 after recording eight hits in his last six games. He has done great against Tyler Anderson.

He may only have one extra-base hit against Anderson, but we only need a single to satisfy this parlay. Hernandez shouldn’t have an issue recording a hit on Monday night.

Betts hits leadoff for the Dodgers, so it only makes sense to have the player hitting behind him to record an RBI. That player is new Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Freeman is hitless in his last ten at-bats, but that came on the heels of a five-game stretch with eight RBIs. A matchup with Nationals starter Joan Adon should cure his struggles. Hopefully, we’ll see Freeman bring in Betts with a base hit.

Sometimes, the probability is too good to take the value. The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t present value, but I can’t find a reason to wager on the Washington Nationals.

Maybe Washington’s offense will have a big day, but can you trust Joan Adon? Even if the Dodgers offense has a poor day, Adon’s command issues should keep them in the game. There are too many things going in Los Angeles’ favor.

The MLB betting sites all have the Dodgers at (-200). BetOnline typically has betting lines before others, so check them out to wager on the Dodgers.