Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals Picks and Prediction for Sunday, July 26, 2026

The Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Washington Nationals on Sunday at 1:35 PM ET at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Arizona is 55-49 and sits second in the NL West, 11 games behind the Dodgers. The Diamondbacks have won four of their last five games, including a 3-2 victory over Washington in Friday's series opener. The Nationals are 52-52 and tied for third in the NL East, 9.5 games behind Atlanta. Washington had won three of four before Friday's loss but has struggled at home with a 20-32 record. Build your bankroll with our free MLB picks.

Arizona Diamondbacks Need More from its Pitching Staff

Arizona has produced a balanced offense this season, batting .242 while scoring 469 runs with 839 hits, 101 home runs, a .313 on-base percentage, and a .394 slugging percentage. Ketel Marte leads the Diamondbacks with 18 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 103 hits, while Corbin Carroll has added 15 home runs and 13 stolen bases. Gabriel Moreno is batting .312 with a .394 on-base percentage, and Nolan Arenado has contributed 14 home runs and 48 RBIs. Arizona has scored at least six runs in three of its last five games.

The Diamondbacks have relied on steady pitching to remain in the playoff race. Arizona owns a 4.20 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP while holding opponents to a .251 batting average. The staff has limited damage by avoiding big innings and has received solid production from both the rotation and bullpen. That consistency has helped Arizona win four of its last five games entering Sunday's matchup.

Injuries: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (10-Day IL), Zac Gallen (15-Day IL), Jordan Lawlar (10-Day IL), Michael Soroka (15-Day IL), Tommy Troy (10-Day IL).

Washington Nationals Continue to Perform at the Plate

Washington has been one of the National League's better offensive clubs, batting .253 while scoring 569 runs with 905 hits, 151 home runs, a .327 on-base percentage, and a .442 slugging percentage. CJ Abrams is hitting .288 with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs, while James Wood has blasted 28 home runs with a .395 on-base percentage. Luis Garcia Jr. has added 21 home runs, and Curtis Mead has contributed 17 long balls. The Nationals have the power to erase deficits quickly and remain dangerous throughout the lineup.

Pitching has been less consistent for Washington this season. The Nationals own a 4.77 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP while allowing opponents to bat .261 against the staff. Washington has surrendered 144 home runs and has struggled to limit baserunners compared to many National League contenders. Improving run prevention will be important after allowing Arizona to take the series opener.

Injuries: Drew Millas (10-Day IL), Trevor Williams (60-Day IL), PJ Poulin (15-Day IL), Brad Lord (15-Day IL), Jake Irvin (60-Day IL).

Pitching Matchup

Arizona Diamondbacks – Kohl Drake

Drake has made one appearance this season, posting a 0-0 record with a 1.80 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP across five innings. The left-hander has allowed four hits, walked two, and struck out five batters in his first major league outing.

Washington Nationals – Miles Mikolas

Mikolas is 3-7 with a 5.60 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP over 98 innings. He has allowed 111 hits and 21 home runs while recording 51 strikeouts. Washington will need a stronger outing from the veteran against an Arizona lineup that has been swinging the bat well.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals Game Pick

• Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona has the advantage with the more dependable pitching staff and enters this game after winning four of its last five contests. The Diamondbacks have also started this series with a victory and have received balanced offensive production from Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, and Gabriel Moreno. Washington can score runs, but its pitching staff has struggled throughout the season, especially when facing productive lineups. Arizona is the play to complete another road win.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals Over/Under Pick

• Over

Washington has scored 569 runs and hit 151 home runs this season, while Arizona has produced timely offense during its recent winning stretch. Mikolas carries a 5.60 ERA and has allowed 21 home runs, creating favorable scoring opportunities for the Diamondbacks. The Nationals have enough power to contribute their share of runs, which will help the matchup cash over the total.