Washington Nationals (38-78) vs Chicago Cubs (47-66)
Monday, August 15, 2022 at 7:05 pm
My selection is on Chicago over Washington at 7:05 pm et on Monday.
We missed with the Cubs yesterday as they couldn't complete the four-game sweep of the Reds but I won't hesitate to go right back to the well with them on Monday as they hand the ball to Marcus Stroman, who finds himself in a quick 'revenge' spot against the Nationals.
Stroman's last start didn't go particularly well and it came against these same Nationals last week. He allowed four earned runs over five innings in that 6-5 loss. He's still having a fine season, having recorded a 3.98 FIP and 1.16 WHIP. His 4.54 runs per nine innings allowed does leave a lot to be desired but I'm confident he can navigate a Nationals lineup that has averaged just 3.8 runs per game this season (better than he did last time out anyway). Interestingly, Stroman has been much sharper away from home this season, posting a 2.26 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in nine outings.
Josiah Gray will counter for Washington. He sports a 5.60 FIP and 1.30 WHIP while yielding just shy of 4.9 runs per nine innings this season. Like Stroman, he has struggled pitching at home, posting a 6.75 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 10 starts at Nationals Park.
The Washington bullpen behind Gray has been awful lately, and for much of the campaign. The Nats relief corps entered yesterday's contest with a 5.83 ERA and 1.88 WHIP over the last seven contests. Take Chicago (8*).