Nationals Face Marlins in Series Finale: Gore Returns to the Mound
The Washington Nationals conclude their road trip with a final game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park tonight. MacKenzie Gore returns to the mound for the Nationals after a two-week absence, aiming to finish his season strong.
Gore's Return and Season Outlook
MacKenzie Gore has been activated from the 15-day injured list, his left shoulder feeling good. He's eager to make four starts to close out the season on a positive note. This start against the Marlins is a crucial first step.
Weathers' Return and Previous Performance
Ryan Weathers starts for the Marlins after a three-month layoff due to injuries. He's had limited major league starts this season. His last appearance against the Nationals in April 2024 saw him allow six runs over four innings.
Game Information
- Teams: Washington Nationals at Miami Marlins
- Location: loanDepot Park, Miami
- Gametime: 6:40 p.m. EDT
- TV: MASN, MLB.tv
- Radio: 106.7 FM, 87.7 FM (Spanish), MLB.com
- Weather: Indoors
Lineups
Here are the projected lineups for tonight's game:
Nationals Lineup
- SS CJ Abrams
- RF Dylan Crews
- C Riley Adams
- LF Daylen Lile
- 1B Andrés Chaparro
- 3B Brady House
- DH Paul DeJong
- 2B Nasim Nuñez
- CF Jacob Young
- LHP MacKenzie Gore
Marlins Lineup
- 2B Xavier Edwards
- DH Agustín Ramírez
- CF Jakob Marsee
- LF Heriberto Hernández
- 1B Eric Wagaman
- RF Joey Wiemer
- SS Maximo Acosta
- C Brian Navarreto
- 3B Javier Sanoja
- LHP Ryan Weathers
Nationals vs Marlins Prediction and Betting Analysis
This game features a pitching duel between left-handers MacKenzie Gore and Ryan Weathers. Experts are looking at Weathers' potential for strikeouts.
Prediction and Best Bet
Nationals vs Marlins pick: Ryan Weathers Over 4.5 Strikeouts. This is the best bet for this game.
| Projected Starting Pitchers | LHP MacKenzie Gore (WAS) | Stat | LHP Ryan Weathers (MIA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-13 | W-L | 1-1 | |
| 2.8 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.1 | |
| 4.15 / 4.17 | ERA / xERA | 3.28 / 3.24 | |
| 3.69 / 3.70 | FIP / xFIP | 4.48 / 4.24 | |
| 1.34 | WHIP | 1.05 | |
| 18.9 | K-BB% | 14.7 | |
| 36.1 | GB% | 40.6 | |
| 98 | Stuff+ | 108 | |
| 99 | Location+ | 101 |
Weathers' Potential and Nationals' Weakness vs LHP
Ryan Weathers has shown promise when healthy, particularly with his secondary pitches. The Nationals struggle against left-handed pitching, with a high strikeout rate and low offensive output against LHPs.
The Nationals are the best strikeout matchup for left-handed pitchers, leading the league with a 27.9% K% vs LHP since the start of July, and are last in OPS, wOBA, and wRC+.
Betting Trends
Refer to betting trends for additional insights on this matchup.