The Washington Nationals host the Athletics on August 7, 2025. First pitch from Nationals Park is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. EDT; the game will be broadcast on MASN.
Find my MLB betting preview and Athletics vs Nationals prediction below, as well as probable pitchers, betting trends, injury reports and more.
Athletics vs Nationals Prediction and Picks
- Athletics vs Nationals Picks: Athletics ML (-124 | Play to -130)
My Athletics vs Nationals best bet is the Athletics moneyline. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Athletics vs Nationals Odds & Game Information
| Athletics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +110 | 9 -105o / -115u | -145 |
| Nationals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -135 | 9 -105o / -115u | +118 |
Athletics vs Nationals Projected Starters
| LHP Jacob Lopez (ATH) | Stat | LHP Mitchell Parker (WSH) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 | W-L | 7-11 |
| 0.8 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 1.1 |
| 3.99 / 3.69 | ERA / xERA | 5.35 / 5.55 |
| 4.38 / 4.38 | FIP / xFIP | 4.63 / 5.10 |
| 1.34 | WHIP | 1.47 |
| 17.5% | K-BB% | 6.5% |
| 25.8% | GB% | 37% |
| 91 | Stuff+ | 91 |
| 100 | Location+ | 102 |
Athletics vs Nationals Betting Insights
Why The Athletics Can Win
Jacob Lopez has been tremendous in his first full season. Through 17 appearances on the mound, Lopez boasts a 3.99 ERA.
His underlying metrics are even stronger. Entering this matchup, the southpaw sports a 3.69 expected ERA (xERA) and ranks in the top quarter of the league in expected batting average (xBA), average exit velocity, barrel rate and hard-hit rate.
Lopez should also receive plenty of run support from one of the best young lineups in baseball. This season, the Athletics rank in the top half of the league in runs per game, slugging percentage, OPS and home runs.
Not only can this team hit for power, but it can also reach base consistently. Oakland currently ranks second in hits per game, sixth in batting average and 13th in on-base percentage.
Why The Nationals Can Win
The Athletics’ success at the plate is likely to continue against Mitchell Parker. His sophomore campaign has gone about as poorly as possible, as he owns a 5.35 ERA and 1.47 WHIP through 22 starts.
Parker’s analytics are somehow even worse. He ranks in the seventh percentile or lower in xERA, xBA, average exit velocity and hard-hit rate.
Following Parker is the worst bullpen in baseball. Entering this matchup, Washington’s relief corps ranks last in ERA, FIP and expected FIP (xFIP).
Not only do the Nationals have the pitching disadvantage, but they also fall short at the plate. Washington trails Oakland in runs per game, hits per game, slugging percentage and OPS.
How To Make Athletics vs Nationals Picks
Every advantage in this matchup belongs to the Athletics. They have the superior starting pitcher, bullpen and lineup.
The only thing keeping their price down is the fact that Washington is playing on its home diamond. However, Oakland’s road record is even better than the Nationals’ home record.
Pick: Athletics moneyline (-124 | Play to -130)
Moneyline
As mentioned, I'm betting the Athletics moneyline.
Run Line/Against the Spread
I also like the Athletics to cover, but I find more value in just taking the outright moneyline price.
Over/Under
I lean toward the over, but don't want to fade Lopez.
