MLB Game Preview: Athletics (50-65) vs. Washington Nationals (44-68)

Game Overview

• Time: 6:45 PM ET / 3:45 PM PT
• Venue: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
• Broadcast: MASN, NBC Sports California, MLB Network, Fubo (regional restrictions)
  The Athletics aim to build on their explosive 16–7 win Tuesday, while the Nationals look to snap a six-game losing streak and avoid a series sweep. Oakland has won 7 of its last 10 games, while Washington has dropped 7 of its last 10.

Pitching Matchup

• Jeffrey Springs has delivered back-to-back quality starts and is averaging 5.5 innings per outing. Opponents are hitting just .227 against him.
• Cade Cavalli makes his season debut after recovering from injury. He’ll face a red-hot Athletics lineup that ranks top 10 in slugging and home runs.

Team Performance Snapshot
Athletics

• Record: 50–65 (5th in AL West)
• Road Record: 27–31
• Batting Average: .251 (11th in MLB)
• Slugging %: .433 (5th)
• Home Runs: 153 (7th)
• Runs Scored: 493 (15th)
• Team ERA: 4.20 (18th in MLB)
  
• Washington Nationals
• Record: 44–68 (5th in NL East)
• Home Record: 21–35
• Batting Average: .244 (17th in MLB)
• Slugging %: .387 (22nd)
• Home Runs: 106 (25th)
• Runs Scored: 477 (19th)
• Team ERA: 5.12 (29th in MLB)

Players to Watch
Athletics

• Shea Langeliers: 3 HR Tuesday; batting .465 with 8 HR and 10 RBIs in last 10 games
• Brent Rooker: 23 HR, 66 RBIs, 52 extra-base hits
• Tyler Soderstrom: 19 HR, 21 doubles, .259 AVG
• Nick Kurtz: 23 HR, .389 AVG over last 5 games
  
• Washington Nationals
• C.J. Abrams: 25 doubles, 14 HR, 42 RBIs
• Luis Garcia: 10-for-38 with 2 HR and 5 RBIs in last 10 games
• Drew Millas: 2 doubles, 2 RBIs in Sunday’s loss

Betting Trends

• Athletics ATS: 58–56
• Nationals ATS: 55–55
• Athletics are 7–7 when favored by -126 or more
• Nationals are 2–6 when favored by -135 or more
• Over 9 runs has hit in 58 of Nationals’ 110 games

Injury Report
Athletics

• Jacob Wilson (forearm), Denzel Clarke (abductor), Max Muncy (hand) – 10-day IL
• Grant Holman, Gunnar Hoglund, Jose Leclerc, Brady Basso, Luis Medina – 60-day IL
  
• Washington Nationals
• Dylan Crews (back), Trevor Williams (elbow), Keibert Ruiz (concussion) – IL
• Derek Law, DJ Herz, Josiah Gray – 60-day IL

Final Thoughts
The Athletics vs. Nationals matchup at Nationals Park features two rebuilding teams on opposite trajectories. With Oakland’s offense surging and Jeffrey Springs in rhythm, the A’s are well-positioned to complete the sweep. Washington’s pitching woes and injury list make this a tough spot for Cade Cavalli’s return.