New York Mets vs Washington Nationals: The Mets Beat Up on Nationals in Game 1

• At long last, Jacob DeGrom is back for Mets
• Offensive mismatch
• X-factors to watch

Mets vs Nationals Odds

The odds in red are the best odds available at the time being. Click on the odds below and place your bet on the MLB matchup!

Mets vs Nationals Pick

The Mets are likely the best team in the NL East (though the Braves may have something to say about that) while the Nationals are certainly the worst. Jacob DeGrom will make his first start in nearly 13 months and there’s no reason to believe he will be anything but dominant. New York beat up on Washington in Game 1 and we expect it again in Game 2!

Mets to cover the spread (-170) at DraftKings Sportsbook

Garcia’s 2022 record: (29-21)

Pick made on 08/01/2022 at 09:50 PM EST

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Mets vs Nationals Betting Trends to Watch

• Mets are 7-0 in their last 7 overall
• Mets are 8-1 in their last 9 road games
• Mets are 6-1 in their last 7 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5
• Mets are 37-15 in their last 52 vs National League East
• Mets are 5-0 in their last 5 games vs a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15
• Under is 9-1-2 in Mets last 12 during game 2 of a series
• Mets are 9-2 in their last 11 games vs a team with a winning % below .400
• Over is 10-4-1 in Mets last 15 road games vs a right-handed starter
• Mets are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Washington
• Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 Tuesday games
• Mets are 17-5 in the last 22 head-to-head meetings
• Nationals are 17-37 in their last 54 overall
• Nationals are 14-38 in their last 52 home games vs a right-handed starter
• Under is 6-2 in Nationals last 8 overall
• Nationals are 17-37 in their last 54 overall
• Nationals are 3-7 in their last 10 Tuesday games
• Nationals are 16-36 in their last 52 games vs a team with a winning % above .600

Mets vs Nationals Predictions

Jacob DeGrom Back on the Mound

It’s been a long year-plus for the ace of the Mets’ staff.

Degrom, a two-time Cy Young winner for New York missed the final three months of last season with a sprained elbow and right forearm tightness, then after easing into spring training was shut down due to a “stress reaction” (which is basically an overuse injury, like a bone bruise) in his right scapula.

Now, he’s making his first start since July 7, 2021 after four up-and-down starts on his rehab assignment. The future Hall-of-Famer gave up five runs (four earned) in 12.2 innings in Single A and triple A, walking four batters and striking out 21.

The good news, though, the stuff was still there as he hit 100 mph with his fastball. DeGrom is 77-53 in his career, though holds a fantastic ERA of 2.50.

The main remaining question is how deep into the game can he go? DeGrom didn’t throw more than 67 pitches in any of his rehab starts, so the expectation is he will throw around 70 or 75 in his season debut.

The Nationals will counter with Cory Abbott, a 26-year-old who has appeared in just 11 MLB games including three in 2022 with only one career start.

He’s thrown four innings this season, striking out six, walking one and allowing just one run.

See who is the top pick for National League MVP 2022, here!

Can Nationals Score Enough Runs?

When it comes to the Mets offense, we know they’re capable of scoring. They are fourth in baseball in OBP (.326), fifth in batting average (.256) and sixth in runs scored (475).

Eight different players with at least 65 games played have an OBP of .327 or better, seven players have driven in 34 runs or more and seven have a WAR of 1.6 or higher.

As for the Nationals, it’s a different story. Washington ranks 27th in both slugging percentage (.371) and runs scored (393). Only Juan Soto – the superstar outfielder who may likely be traded before this game is played – and Josh Bell have OBP’s above .316.

They’re the only two players on the roster who have hit at least eight home runs and the only players who have a WAR higher than 1.0 (Victor Robles is exactly 1.0).

X-Factors to Watch

For the Nationals we’re looking for somebody who generally does well against right-handed pitching and that’s going to be Luis Garcia. The shortstop is hitting .309 with a .773 OPS against righties, which is the third best on the team behind only Soto and Bell.

For the Mets, we’re looking at Brandon Nimmo who has been tremendous away from home this season. The centerfielder is second on the team with nine home runs and third with 30 RBIs away from Citi Field and his leading the team with a .299 average, .392 OBP and .892 OPS

Take a look at the predictions for World Series Winner, here!

How to Watch Mets vs Nationals