Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Picks and Prediction for Sunday, May 24, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Washington Nationals visit the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Sunday at 4:10 PM ET on MLB.TV. Washington is 25-27 and third in the NL East, while Atlanta is 36-16 and leads the division. The Braves won Friday’s opener 5-4 in 11 innings and have won four of their last five games overall. Washington has dropped three of its last five contests entering this matchup. Check out more free MLB picks before first pitch.
Nationals Trying to Keep Pace in NL East
Washington nearly stole Friday’s opener before falling 5-4 in extra innings. The Nationals have still played competitive baseball recently, splitting the last four games after winning consecutive matchups against the Mets earlier in the week. Washington has also produced solid offense on the road with a 15-11 away record this season.
The Nationals are hitting .244 with a .324 on-base percentage and .414 slugging percentage, producing 284 runs on 438 hits. CJ Abrams has been outstanding with a .299 batting average, 11 home runs, and 45 RBI, while James Wood has added 13 home runs, 34 RBI, and a .517 slugging percentage. Daylen Lile owns a .267 average with 14 doubles, and Keibert Ruiz has contributed four home runs with a .500 slugging percentage. Washington has totaled 63 home runs and 103 doubles through 52 games.
Pitching remains a concern for Washington entering this series finale. The Nationals carry a 4.96 ERA and 1.41 WHIP while allowing opponents to hit .259 against the staff. Washington has surrendered 60 home runs and issued 191 walks through 50 games. The bullpen also struggled late Friday night after the game moved into extra innings.
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Injuries: Cole Henry, 15-Day IL, Josiah Gray, 60-Day IL, Trevor Williams, 60-Day IL, Tyler Baum, 60-Day IL, Ken Waldichuk, 60-Day IL
Braves Continue Strong Offensive Production
Atlanta extended its winning run with Friday’s 11-inning victory and has now scored 36 runs across the last five games. The Braves continue holding the best record in the National League because of balanced offense and elite pitching. Atlanta has also dominated at home with a 17-8 record at Truist Park.
The Braves are hitting .266 with a .329 on-base percentage and .442 slugging percentage, producing 281 runs on 475 hits. Matt Olson leads the offense with 14 home runs and 42 RBI while carrying a .554 slugging percentage. Drake Baldwin has been one of the league’s most productive hitters with a .303 average, 13 home runs, and 38 RBI, while Michael Harris II owns 11 home runs and a .514 slugging percentage. Ozzie Albies has added 54 hits, and Ronald Acuna Jr. has contributed seven stolen bases with a .365 OBP.
Atlanta’s pitching staff has been one of the best groups in baseball this season. The Braves enter with a 3.08 ERA and 1.13 WHIP while limiting opponents to a .207 batting average. Atlanta has recorded 459 strikeouts through 52 games and ranks near the top of MLB in run prevention. The bullpen has also converted 15 saves this season.
Injuries: Kyle Farmer, 10-Day IL, Blake Burkhalter, 7-Day IL, Drake Baldwin, 10-Day IL, Hurston Waldrep, 60-Day IL, Danny Young, 60-Day IL
Pitching Matchup
Washington Nationals – Foster Griffin
Griffin is 5-2 with a 4.02 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 56.0 innings. The left-hander has allowed 48 hits with 54 strikeouts and 10 home runs surrendered this season.
Atlanta Braves – Martin Perez
Perez is 2-2 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 41.0 innings. The left-hander has allowed only 28 hits with 38 strikeouts and strong home numbers this season.
Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Pick
- Atlanta Braves
Atlanta has the clear advantage because of stronger pitching depth and more consistent offense throughout the lineup. The Braves continue producing runs at a high level, while Washington’s pitching staff owns one of the weakest ERAs in baseball. Perez has also been reliable at home, putting Atlanta in a position to secure another divisional victory.
Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Over/Under Pick
- Over
Expect this game to cash over with both lineups producing strong power numbers entering the series finale. Washington has already allowed 60 home runs this season, while Atlanta has scored at least five runs in four of the last five games. The Nationals' offense has also been productive on the road, creating enough scoring chances to push the total higher.
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