The Washington Nationals (13-18) face off against the Philadelphia Phillies (17-13) at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies are on a four-game winning streak, recently defeating the Nationals 7-2, with Kyle Schwarber hitting a three-run homer in the first inning. This season, the Phillies have dominated the match-up, winning 4 of 5 games against Washington. The latest odds favor Philadelphia, with the moneyline at -168 and a spread of -1.5. Brad Lord (0-3, 4.67 ERA) is expected to start for the Nationals, while Taijuan Walker (1-2, 2.78 ERA) takes the mound for the Phillies.

Betting insights show that while the Phillies are favored, their pitcher Walker has a 5.00 ERA in his last five starts. Expert predictions suggest to lean towards the Nationals to avoid the sweep, especially considering their recent performance. The game offers a total run line of 9.0, with expert advice leaning towards the under. Stay connected for live updates and more betting analysis!

The Philadelphia Phillies have solidified their lineup after a shaky start to the 2025 season. Manager Rob Thomson's decision to move Bryson Stott to the leadoff spot has resulted in a significant uptick in production across the board. Stott's enhanced plate discipline is evident with a .365 on-base percentage, and his swing rate has dramatically decreased, showing heightened patience. Trea Turner and Nick Castellanos have also improved their batting averages, while Kyle Schwarber thrives in the cleanup role, showcasing a remarkable .302 batting average with an impressive .456 on-base percentage.

Despite the offensive surge, Bryce Harper remains underwhelming at the plate, but his historical slow starts suggest that patience is key. The team’s upcoming matchup against left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore may test the viability of this lineup configuration, adding another layer of intrigue to Phillips' quest for consistency. As the Phillies look to maintain momentum, the effectiveness of Stott in contrast to Edmundo Sosa against lefties becomes crucial.

As Sunday approaches, MLB DFS players have a fantastic slate of 12 games to consider, excluding the Coors Field doubleheader. Notable pitching options include Tarik Skubal, who has excelled in his last two outings, boasting zero runs allowed in 13 innings, and faces a struggling Kansas City Royals lineup. Jesús Luzardo has been impressive for the Phillies, with a 2.01 FIP and 11.19 K/9, while Logan Allen offers value against a weak Pittsburgh offense.

For hitting, Kyle Schwarber is on track to surpass 40 home runs, while young star Elly De La Cruz is living up to expectations with both power and speed. Bargain options such as Jorge Polanco and Bo Naylor could provide valuable contributions at a lower price. Stacking players like Alex Bregman and Wilyer Abreu against the White Sox’s Sean Burke presents an enticing opportunity for DFS players.

In a marathon matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves, Marcell Ozuna delivered a walk-off home run late into the night, giving the Braves a 4-2 victory. The game was delayed by nearly three hours due to heavy rain but resumed with the score tied at 1-1. Johan Rojas’s bases-loaded walk pushed the Phillies ahead in the 11th until Joe Ross allowed Austin Riley's double, tying the game again. Ozuna's decisive hit capped an intense game where both teams showcased pitching depth.

Phillies' Jesús Luzardo had a solid outing, striking out six batters, while Kyle Schwarber's home run briefly leveled the game. However, the Phillies struggled offensively, with Alec Bohm hitting into crucial outs and Nick Castellanos striking out five times. Despite the offensive woes, the bullpen showed promise, particularly Jordan Romano, whose fastball velocity increased significantly. Manager Rob Thomson expressed confidence in the bullpen's performance despite the disappointing game outcome.

The Philadelphia Phillies have opted for a quieter offseason as they seek to capitalize on their established core rather than making splashy free-agent signings. With key players like Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Nick Castellanos already secured, the team feels confident competing for the top spot in the challenging NL East.

Despite previous postseason successes, including a World Series appearance, the Phillies remain aware of their aging roster and the urgency to win now, especially with several core players nearing contract expiration. Their recent signings, including Max Kepler and Jesus Luzardo, are aimed at depth rather than overhauling a team that has grown accustomed to postseason contention.