Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions May 17th 2024

Phils’ Zack Wheeler Renews familiarity with Nationals

After a tough loss, the Philadelphia Phillies are eager to start their coming series on a high note as they host the Washington Nationals on Friday. Both teams are looking to rebound and make up ground in the National League East standings.

Philadelphia Phillies’ Recent Performance

Series Recap and Key Performances

The Phillies let a late lead slip down, losing 6- 5 to the New York Mets in 11 innings on Thursday. Despite the loss, they managed to take three of four games in a brace of two- game series to start the week.

Kyle Schwarber hit an RBI double for the Phillies on Thursday, whileJ.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm added two hits each. Bryson Stott came off the bench to contribute a single and two RBIs. still, the Phillies plodded with runners in scoring position, going 2- for- 15 and leaving 10 runners on base.

” We were flexible the whole night and kept trying to find a way to come back,” Schwarber said.” We just were not suitable to get that big bone at the end. New one hereafter.”

Injury enterprises and Pitching Situation

Phillies starter Taijuan Walker was hit by a line- drive single from Starling Marte and left the game with a left big toe bruise after31/3 innings. This forced manager Rob Thomson to use six relief pitchers just before a new series. X-rays on Walker’s toe were negative, and Thomson remains auspicious about the pitching situation despite the short launch.” I suppose we are in enough good shape,” he said.

Pitching Matchup Preview

Zack Wheelervs. Jake Irvin

The Phillies will hand the ball to Zack Wheeler( 4- 3,2.53 ERA) on Friday. Wheeler is coming off a rough start where he allowed six runs on six hits and three walks in four innings against the Miami Marlins. Despite his recent struggles, Wheeler feels confident.” Nothing felt out of whack,” Wheeler said postgame.” I had a hard time trying to fix it just because I did not feel anything.”

Wheeler has a career record of 12- 15 with a4.67 ERA in 32 starts against the Nationals and aims to ameliorate those stats in this matchup.

The Nationals will start Jake Irvin( 2- 3,3.55 ERA), who’s 0- 1 with a3.00 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies. In his last outing against Philadelphia on April 6, Irvin allowed four runs on five hits in six innings.

Washington Nationals’ Recent Performance

Offensive Struggles

The Nationals enter the series after back- to- back shutout losses to the Chicago White Sox. On Wednesday, they finished 0- for- 9 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base. Manager Dave Martinez emphasized the need for timely hitting, saying,” We just can not get that big hit. It does boil down to just getting that one hit.”

Fresh environment and Player perceptivity

Keibert Ruiz’s Struggles

Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz has been having a tough season, hitting just.141 with a.392 OPS. He struck out three times while going 0- for- 4 on Wednesday.” I have got to sit down, relax, think a little bit more and swing at better pitches,” Ruiz said.

Conclusion

As the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals prepare to face off, both teams are looking to overcome recent challenges and ameliorate their standings in the NL East. With interesting pitching competitions and crucial players seeking redemption, this series promises to be a competitive and engaging contest.