MLB Game Preview: Washington Nationals (33-46) vs. San Diego Padres (42-36)

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Game Details

  • Matchup: Washington Nationals (33–46) vs. San Diego Padres (42–36)
  • Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
  • First Pitch: 9:40 PM ET
  • Venue: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
  • Broadcast: MASN2 (Nationals), Padres.TV, MLB.TV

Game Context & Stakes

The Nationals stunned San Diego with a 10–6 win in the series opener, powered by James Wood’s 3-hit, 4-RBI performance. Washington has now won 3 of its last 4 against the Padres dating back to 2024.

The Padres, still in the thick of the NL Wild Card race, are looking to bounce back behind rookie sensation Ryan Bergert, who’s been lights-out in limited action. San Diego is 23–14 at home and 30–9 when out-hitting opponents.

Probable Starting Pitchers

Washington Nationals – Trevor Williams (RHP)

  • Record: 3–8
  • ERA: 5.54
  • WHIP: 1.45
  • Last Start: 5.1 IP, 2 ER vs. Rockies
  • Scouting Report: Williams has struggled with consistency, allowing a .297 opponent batting average. He’s averaging just under 5 innings per start and has only one quality start in 15 outings.

San Diego Padres – Ryan Bergert (RHP)

  • Record: 1–0
  • ERA: 1.87
  • WHIP: 0.96
  • Last Start: 4.2 IP, 0 ER vs. Dodgers
  • Scouting Report: Bergert has been dominant in his first four MLB starts, holding opponents to a .169 average. He’s posted 19 strikeouts in 24.2 innings and has yet to allow more than 2 earned runs in any outing.

Players to Watch

Washington Nationals

  • James Wood: .279 AVG, 22 HR, 57 RBI – 3 HR in last 5 games; 4 RBI in Monday’s win
  • CJ Abrams: .277 AVG, 11 HR, 15 SB – 14-for-39 (.359) in last 10 games
  • Luis García Jr.: .312 AVG, 7 HR – 47.7% hard-hit rate and .514 xSLG
  • Josh Bell: 44.1% hard-hit rate, 9.5% walk rate – veteran presence in the middle of the order

San Diego Padres

  • Manny Machado: .305 AVG, 12 HR, 46 RBI – leads team in AVG and RBI
  • Fernando Tatis Jr.: 15 HR, .289 AVG – homered in Monday’s loss; 3 HR in last 7 games
  • Luis Arraez: .279 AVG, 16 doubles – 9-game hit streak entering Tuesday
  • Jackson Merrill: .310 AVG, .539 xSLG – breakout rookie with elite contact skills

Trends

  • Padres are 10–6 when favored by –166 or more
  • Nationals are 12–16 as +140 or worse underdogs
  • OVER has hit in 35 of 77 Nationals games
  • Padres are 30–9 when out-hitting opponents

How to Watch Nationals vs Padres – June 24, 2025

  • TV Channels: MASN2 (WSH), Padres.TV (SD)
  • Streaming: MLB.TV, FuboTV
  • Radio: 106.7 The Fan (WSH), KWFN 97.3 FM (SD)

Game Odds

Washington Nationals   9

San Diego Padres             – 168

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, June 23, 2025

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MLB Editor
Profile: A dedicated Major League Baseball analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s strategic, statistical, and developmental layers. This columnist delivers in‑depth coverage that blends advanced metrics, scouting insight, and historical context to illuminate the trends shaping today’s game. Background: With extensive experience following MLB at both the team and league levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, player evaluation, and organizational philosophy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to breaking down performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term competitive cycles. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and pitching‑matchup analysis Advanced statistical breakdowns and sabermetric insights Prospect evaluation, farm‑system trends, and player development Trade‑deadline movement, free‑agency analysis, and front‑office strategy Historical context and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex data and tactical nuance into insights that resonate with both traditional fans and analytically minded readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.