Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions August 23rd 2025

Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals August 23rd 2025

The Washington Nationals will visit the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The game is set for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 6:05 PM. The Nationals come in with a 53-75 record, currently on a three-game win streak. They are fifth in the NL East and have gone 6-4 in their last ten games.

The Phillies hold a 74-54 record and are first in the NL East. They have a strong home record of 40-22 but have lost their last game. The weather forecast for the game is warm with a light breeze and broken clouds. Fans can catch the action on NSPPH.

Nationals vs Phillies Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies
• Venue: Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA
• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Betting Odds: Nationals Moneyline +194, Phillies Moneyline -232, Nationals Runline +1.5 (-107), Phillies Runline -1.5 (-113), Total Over 9.5 (-116), Total Under 9.5 (-104)

The Nationals Can Win If…

The Washington Nationals are coming off a close 5-4 win against the Philadelphia Phillies. Cade Cavalli pitched six innings, allowing three earned runs. Riley Adams was a key player with a home run and three RBIs, contributing to the team’s win.

The Nationals have some solid stats that can help them win. They rank 6th in doubles with 212 and 7th in stolen bases with 108. Their ability to get extra-base hits and steal bases can put pressure on the opposing defense.

CJ Abrams and Luis García Jr. are important players for the Nationals. Abrams has a batting average of .265 with 16 home runs, while García Jr. has a .258 average with 9 home runs. Their consistent performances can lead the team to another victory.

The Phillies Can Win If…

The Philadelphia Phillies recently played a tight game against the Washington Nationals, losing 5-4. Despite the loss, the Phillies showed strength at the plate with Bryson Stott and J.T. Realmuto each hitting a home run. Nick Castellanos also made an impact with three hits, showcasing the team’s offensive potential.

The Phillies have a strong lineup, ranking second in the league with a .258 batting average. Their on-base percentage is fourth at .326, and they have hit 158 home runs this season. With players like Kyle Schwarber, who has 45 home runs, their batting power is a key reason they can win this game.

On the pitching side, the Phillies have recorded 70 quality starts, the best in the league. Aaron Nola, despite his struggles, has the potential to deliver a solid performance. The Phillies’ pitching staff also ranks second in strikeouts with 1,175, which could be crucial in keeping the Nationals’ hitters at bay.

The Lean

The Phillies are favored with a moneyline of -232, while the Nationals sit at +194. The Phillies have a strong batting average and on-base percentage, ranking 2nd and 4th respectively. Their pitching is also solid with a 3.77 ERA, ranked 6th. My model projects the Phillies to win 6-3. Based on these factors, the recommendation is to pick the Phillies to win straight up.

The total for the game is set at 9.5 runs. The Nationals’ pitching struggles with a 5.31 ERA, ranked 29th, while the Phillies’ offense is ranked 8th in slugging percentage. My model projects a total score of 9 runs. Given this, the recommendation is to take the under 9.5 runs.

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Rematch on the Mound

The Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals meet again Saturday night in Philadelphia, with Aaron Nola and Mitchell Parker set for a rare rematch just days after both pitchers failed to get out of the third inning.

Nola lasted 2 1/3 innings in the Phillies’ 11-9 win last Sunday, while Parker managed only 1 2/3 innings before being chased from the game. With both rotations looking for stability, this matchup carries weight for two clubs moving in different directions.

For bettors, keeping up with MLB pitching matchups is key, and you can track daily MLB picks for added insights.

Aaron Nola Searching for Answers

Nola (1-7, 6.92 ERA) is enduring the toughest season of his 11-year career. After a three-month injured list stint due to a sprained ankle and fractured rib, his return showed the same troubling patterns. He gave up six runs and seven hits to Washington in his last outing, despite retiring seven of the first eight batters he faced.

The Phillies need more from their veteran right-hander, especially with ace Zack Wheeler sidelined by a blood clot near his throwing shoulder. Wheeler underwent a procedure earlier this week, and his absence leaves Nola in a critical spot in the rotation.

Over his career, Nola is 10-9 with a 3.97 ERA in 35 starts against Washington. Whether he can find his rhythm again will be a storyline to watch. Check out the latest MLB previews for additional context on Saturday’s matchup.

Mitchell Parker’s Struggles Continue

Parker (7-13, 5.83 ERA) has also had a rough stretch. In four August starts, he is 0-3 with a 12.38 ERA, including six runs allowed against the Phillies last weekend. The left-hander issued three walks and did not record a strikeout in that game.

Although Parker dominated Philadelphia back in March with 6 1/3 shutout innings, his overall track record against the Phillies is poor. He owns a 1-1 record with an 11.45 ERA in three starts, and Bryce Harper has been especially difficult for him to handle, going 4-for-6 with two walks.

When handicapping volatile pitchers like Parker, reviewing an expert MLB betting guide can help identify which angles might offer value.

Nationals Building Momentum

Despite Parker’s struggles, Washington enters Saturday with confidence after rallying for a 5-4 win in Friday’s series opener. Bryson Stott and J.T. Realmuto gave Philadelphia the lead with home runs in the middle innings, but a costly throwing error by Realmuto in the ninth helped the Nationals push across two runs and seal their third straight victory.

That late-inning resilience highlights why Washington continues to be a dangerous spoiler down the stretch. For bettors looking to ride hot streaks, it’s worth exploring the buy picks section to see where sharp action is leaning.

What to Watch For

Saturday’s rematch is less about past success and more about who can stabilize their outing. Nola’s command and ability to pitch deeper into the game will be crucial for Philadelphia, while Parker must avoid early trouble to give Washington a chance.

Fans and bettors alike can track handicappers’ performance and insights on the leaderboard where top performers continue to provide winning strategies across MLB matchups.

Final Word

Both pitchers are vulnerable, setting the stage for an offense-driven contest where one or two mistakes could decide the game. The Phillies need Nola to turn the corner, while the Nationals look to extend their winning streak with another opportunistic performance.

For complete updates on how this game plays out, visit the MLB game results page after the final out.