Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins Picks and Prediction for Sunday August 23 2026
The Washington Nationals visit the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on Sunday, with the opening pitch at 1:40 PM ET. Washington is 61-69, fourth in the NL East and 14.5 games behind Atlanta after Friday’s 3-2 loss to Miami. The Nationals are 7.5 games behind the final National League Wild Card position. Miami is 65-64, third in the NL East and 10 games behind Atlanta, while sitting four games behind the final Wild Card spot. The Marlins snapped a three-game losing streak Friday, while Washington has lost four of its last five. Build your bankroll with our free MLB picks.
Washington Nationals Look to End Offensive Slump
Washington ranks eighth in MLB with a .249 batting average and has produced 678 runs, 183 home runs and a .433 slugging percentage. The Nationals have several productive hitters, led by CJ Abrams with a .279 average, 29 home runs, 91 RBI and an .884 OPS. James Wood has 30 homers, 73 RBI and a team-best .393 on-base percentage, while Luis Garcia Jr. is batting .283 with 23 home runs and a .560 slugging percentage.
Recent offense has been a problem. Washington has scored only 11 runs across its last five games and was shut out twice during its series against Texas. The Nationals are 1-4 over that span after Friday’s 3-2 defeat. Washington is 34-33 away, but its pitching staff ranks 27th in MLB with a 4.67 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and .257 opponent batting average. Those numbers place added pressure on an offense missing important production.
Injuries: CJ Abrams (Day-To-Day), Drew Millas (10-Day IL), James Wood (10-Day IL), Richard Lovelady (60-Day IL), Josiah Gray (60-Day IL).
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Miami Marlins Try to Build on Home Advantage
Miami enters Sunday at 65-64 and owns a strong 39-25 home record. The Marlins are seventh in MLB with a .249 batting average and have a .326 on-base percentage, but their 131 home runs are well below Washington’s total. Otto Lopez has been Miami’s most consistent hitter, batting .307 with 154 hits, 25 stolen bases and a .790 OPS. Liam Hicks is batting .282 with 14 home runs and a team-high 62 RBI.
The Marlins ended a three-game skid by beating Washington 3-2 Friday. Miami is only 2-3 over its last five and has scored 20 runs during that stretch, including seven in a victory over Cincinnati. Pitching gives the Marlins an important overall advantage. Miami ranks ninth in MLB with a 3.94 ERA and owns a 1.25 WHIP with a .233 opponent batting average. The Marlins have also recorded 12 shutouts this season.
Injuries: Kyle Stowers (10-Day IL), Anthony Bender (15-Day IL), Max Meyer (15-Day IL), Ronny Henriquez (60-Day IL), Adam Mazur (60-Day IL).
Pitching Matchup
Washington Nationals – Jackson Kent
Kent is 0-1 with a 9.39 ERA and 2.48 WHIP across 7.2 innings. The left-hander has allowed 11 hits, eight walks and one home run while striking out nine. Kent has made only a limited number of appearances, but the 19 combined hits and walks allowed demonstrate the difficulty he has had controlling baserunners.
Miami Marlins – Janson Junk
Junk is 6-8 with a 4.37 ERA and 1.36 WHIP through 92.2 innings. The right-hander has allowed 100 hits, 26 walks and 12 home runs while recording 66 strikeouts. Junk has allowed more than one hit per inning, but his walk rate has helped prevent his WHIP from climbing further.
Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins Game Pick
- Miami Marlins
Miami has several advantages that make the Marlins the preferred side Sunday. The Marlins are 39-25 at loanDepot park and own a 3.94 team ERA compared with Washington’s 4.67 mark. Kent has also struggled in limited work, posting a 9.39 ERA and 2.48 WHIP through 7.2 innings. Washington has lost four of five and scored only 11 runs during that stretch. Miami has not been hitting consistently either, but its pitching and home record make the Marlins the play Sunday.
Washington Nationals vs Miami Marlins Over/Under Pick
- Under
Recent scoring trends point toward a lower-scoring game despite Kent’s difficult numbers in limited innings. Washington has scored only 11 runs over its last five games and was shut out twice during that stretch. Miami has produced 20 runs across its last five, with seven coming in one victory over Cincinnati. The Marlins also rank ninth in MLB with a 3.94 team ERA and have recorded 12 shutouts. With neither lineup entering Sunday in consistent scoring form, the under is the play.
