MLB Picks: Washington Nationals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Washington Nationals (20-17) and Los Angeles Dodgers (15-21) will open up a three-game National League series Monday night at Dodger Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET

Washington Nationals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Washington Nationals are 4-5 on the road with a betting total of 7 or less

Washington dropped back-to-back home games to the Chicago Cubs, including a 2-1 setback as -170 favorites Sunday afternoon, while going UNDER the total for the first time in four contests. “We can’t get down on ourselves,” commented Nationals outfielder Denard Span. “We’re just gonna move on.” Outfielder Bryce Harper will look to get going at the plate again, entering this series with a .297 batting average and 10 home runs. Washington is 4-5 on the road when the total is 7 or less, which is important to consider when making your MLB picks Monday.

Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmerman (6-1, 1.59 ERA) has won his last three outings, including a 3-1 home victory over the Detroit Tigers last time out, as he allowed a run and seven hits over seven innings. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in three road appearances, with hitters batting just .133 against him. In two career games versus the Dodgers, Zimmerman has compiled a 1-0 record and 5.25 ERA.

Los Angeles has won two in a row since suffering through a season high eight-game losing streak, including a 5-3 victory over the Miami Marlins as -175 home favorites Sunday, while pushing up against the betting total of 8. “It games us a chance to kind of get a little bit of momentum going,” stated Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. The Dodgers are hoping that first baseman Adrian Gonzalez can continue to battle through a neck strain, as he’s hit safely in his last nine games. Los Angeles is 15-15 as home underdogs of +100 to +125 the last two-plus seasons.

Dodgers starting pitcher Josh Beckett (0-4, 5.13 ERA) has watched the club drop six of his seven appearances this season, as he didn’t factor into the decision of a 5-3 home loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks last time out. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 5.48 ERA in four home efforts this season, with opposing hitters batting .325 against him. In 17 career games (16 starts) versus the Nationals, Beckett has tallied a 7-2 record and 2.46 ERA.