Washington (32-46) at San Diego (42-35)
- When: Jun 23 2025, 9:40 PM
- Where: PETCO Park, San Diego
- Where to watch: SDPA
Nationals vs Padres – Game Preview & Expert Predictions
Moneyline: San Diego -168
Total: 8.5
RunLine: San Diego -1.5 (+130)
San Diego Padres Breakdown
The Padres enter Monday’s opener on a much-needed upswing, snapping a cold streak with two clutch comeback wins against the Royals. Sunday’s 3-2 walk-off win not only gave San Diego their first series win in over two weeks, it also marked the return of sparkplug outfielder Jackson Merrill. Coming off a 7-day concussion stint, Merrill wasted no time making an impact with a double and nearly sent one out if not for a spectacular catch at the wall.
San Diego manager Mike Shildt praised the team’s persistence, and it finally showed up in the win column. Riding that momentum, the Friars hand the ball to Stephen Kolek (3-2, 3.59 ERA), who pitched 6.1 steady innings vs. the Dodgers last week. Kolek will make his first career start against the Nationals, looking to extend the team’s win streak to three.
Padres Player Prop Pick:
Jackson Merrill – To Record a Hit
He’s batting over .300, coming off injury sharp, and facing a hittable lefty.
Washington Nationals Breakdown
Washington rolls into San Diego reeling. After Sunday’s 13-7 beatdown by the Dodgers, the Nationals have now dropped 13 of their last 15. Still, there’s some heat in the lineup. Nathaniel Lowe launched three homers over the weekend, and CJ Abrams is hitting a personal-best .277. The two ex-Padres acquired in the Juan Soto trade will be looking to make a statement in their old stomping grounds.
On the mound, Mitchell Parker (4-8, 4.59 ERA) gets the nod. His last outing was solid six innings of one-run ball, but it came against the Rockies, and his lone prior start vs. San Diego was a disaster (six earned in three innings).
Nationals Player Prop Pick:
CJ Abrams – Total Bases Over
Batting hot, motivated vs. his former team, and facing a righty value spot.
Prediction & Betting Outlook
San Diego’s momentum, Merrill’s return, and Kolek’s steady hand give them the edge at home. Washington’s bullpen woes and poor road stretch are too big to ignore.
Best Bet: Padres -1.5 (+130)
Toral: Under 8.5 (-105)
Final Score Prediction: Padres 5, Nationals 3
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
