MLB picks: Nationals vs. Phillies, A's vs. Padres

There’s a terrific Tuesday slate for MLB bettors, and we have our top two selections right here!

We’ll start with a look at the National League East battle between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies. Then we’ll discuss an intriguing interleague matchup that pits the Oakland Athletics against the San Diego Padres.

Washington Nationals (45-54) at Philadelphia Phillies (50-49), 7:05 p.m. ET

Bettors should expect another slugfest to break out at Citizens Bank Park.

Erick Fedde will go for the visiting Nats, and he owns a dreadful 8.10 ERA through four starts in July. Fedde has also produced a similarly awful 8.00 ERA in two outings against Philadelphia this year. Bryce Harper has taken Fedde to task in prior meetings — going 6-for-15 (.400) with four home runs — so look for him to lead the Phillies on offense.

Once Fedde is out, the Phils lineup should take advantage of Washington’s MLB-worst relief corps in July (6.87 ERA).

Matt Moore will start for Philadelphia, and it’s difficult to put a positive spin on his 5.79 ERA and 1.60 WHIP this season. His bullpen is unlikely to bail him out, as the Phillies rank 17th by ERA in July (4.71).

Washington is ranks eighth in runs per game on the road in 2021 (4.64).

MLB pick: Over

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Oakland Athletics (56-45) at San Diego Padres (58-44), 10:10 p.m. ET

The A’s are an appealing underdog, as they begin a two-game interleague series with the Padres.

James Kaprielian will take the mound for Oakland, fresh off six shutout innings against the Los Angeles Angels. His season ERA is a sparkling 2.65, and his WHIP is 1.12. Kaprielian will tackle a San Diego lineup that has plated just 17 runs over its last six games.

Once Kaprielian’s night is over, he’ll hand things off to the A’s top-notch bullpen, which leads baseball in ERA for July (2.14).

Chris Paddack will counter for the Friars, and his last 10 efforts have been marred by inconsistency. His ERA in that span is 6.65. Paddack will have to pitch carefully to Matt Olson, who is 11-for-33 (.333), with four home runs, since the All-Star break.

Behind Paddack is a Padres bullpen that has not been at its best in July. It ranks 10th in ERA, at 3.66.

MLB pick: A’s +132