Atlanta Braves vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions May 13th 2025

Soroka Faces Former Team as Braves Seek to Reach .500 vs. Nationals

The Atlanta Braves will face a familiar opponent Tuesday night as they attempt to climb back to the .500 mark for the first time this season. Standing in their way? Former ace and fan favorite Michael Soroka, now trying to resurrect his career with the Washington Nationals.

Soroka’s Long-Awaited Return to Atlanta

Once a cornerstone of the Braves’ rotation, Michael Soroka (0-2, 7.20 ERA) will take the mound against his old team for the first time in his career. Soroka showed flashes of his old self in his latest start, striking out eight over five innings in a loss to Cleveland.

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“That’s ultimately where I’m at my best.”
— Michael Soroka, Nationals Pitcher

Health has been the major obstacle for Soroka, whose career was derailed by consecutive Achilles injuries and a more recent biceps strain. After a difficult stint with the White Sox in 2024, he’s hoping to find consistency—and longevity—with Washington.

“We’ve got to keep him healthy, right? I think he’s going to give us a lot of innings.”
— Dave Martinez, Nationals Manager

For those eyeing this matchup for MLB pitching matchups and betting predictions, the emotional edge for Soroka could factor into a compelling outing.

Braves’ Rotation Staying Strong

Atlanta (now 1 win away from .500) edged the Nationals 4-3 on Monday and will turn to Spencer Schwellenbach (1-3, 3.61 ERA) for Game 2 of the four-game set. Schwellenbach snapped a rough stretch with a strong six-inning, one-run performance in a win over Cincinnati.

“Ever since Schwelly didn’t get out of the fourth inning… every start since then has been really good.”
— Brian Snitker, Braves Manager

Backed by a solid rotation that includes Chris Sale, Bryce Elder, A.J. Smith-Shawver and Grant Holmes, Schwellenbach will look to build on his momentum. His only prior start against Washington came in 2023, when he allowed three runs in five innings during a 7-2 loss.

Acuna Begins Rehab, Brighter Days Ahead?

Adding to the optimism in Atlanta, the Braves announced that 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with the team’s Florida Complex League squad. Acuna has been sidelined since May 2024 following ACL surgery but is making progress.

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“It’ll be good to get him running around in the outfield again.”
— Brian Snitker, Braves Manager

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His return could provide the offensive jolt Atlanta has needed amid an inconsistent start to the season.

Will Soroka Spoil the Braves’ Climb?

With Atlanta’s rotation humming and their offense starting to piece things together, the opportunity to hit .500 looms. But Soroka, motivated to prove he still belongs, adds an emotional wrinkle to this matchup—and maybe, a shot at redemption.