Tampa Bay Rays vs Washington Nationals Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 6/28/24, 2:52 PM  by Carlos Zabala in MLB Picks

Losing the last game of the series against Mariners in a series that they won 2-1, winning the last 3, should not distract the Rays from the good work they have been doing closing May. There are 6 games in a row without allowing more than 3 runs to their rivals. They were 6 games below 500 but now they have a record of 40-41 and are 3.5 games away from the AL wild card. Diaz has been a fundamental part of this Rays comeback, having a streak of 19 consecutive games hitting and 28 games getting on base. Elfin is the Rays' probable pitcher, he faced the Nationals many times in his career but with the Phillies shirt and in 2023 he did not face them. Elfin has a high ERA of 5.43 vs Nationals and a record of 4-5. However, the Rays have won in 4 of their last 5 appearances where they have always allowed at least 2 ER. Elfin has 3 consecutive starts allowing HR.

Nationals are 3.5 games behind the NL wild card. Nationals were swept by the Padres in a series that was key for both, striking out 10 times in the last of the series and allowing the Padres 24 runs in 3 games.