Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals 8/15/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

On Monday, the Chicago Cubs open a three-game series on the road in the nation's capital against the Washington Nationals. Chicago improved to 47-65 following its 7-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. Ian Happ, Franmil Reyes and Willson Contreras each hit home runs for Chicago on Saturday. The Cubs have won three straight and are third in the National League Central, 14 ½ games behind the first place St Louis Cardinals.

Shortstop Nick Hoerner is batting .297 to lead Chicago, while left fielder Ian Happ is the leader in hits with 111. Third baseman Patrick Wisdom is the leader in home runs with 20 and RBIs with 52, while catcher Willson Contreras is the leader in on-base percentage at .365. On Monday, the Chicago Cubs will send Marcus Stroman to the mound. The right-hander is 3-5 with a 4.20 ERA, 74 Ks and 20 BBs.

Washington improved to 38-77 following its 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Saturday. Washington designated hitter Nelson Cruz collected two singles in the victory and reached 2,000 hits for his career. Although Washington won on Saturday, the Nationals have lost eight of the last 10. Washington is last in the National League East, 36 ½ games behind the first-place New York Mets.

Nelson Cruz is leading Washington in hits with 87 and RBIs with 53, while the leader in home runs is Lane Thomas with 10.Washington traded away its leading home run hitter Juan Soto and its leader in RBIs Josh Bell before the trade deadline. On Monday, the Washington Nationals will send Josiah Gray to the mound. The right answer is 7-8 with a 4.81 ERA, 127 Ks and 48 BBs.