Cubs vs Nationals Picks and Prediction – 8/31/2024

In Saturday afternoon MLB action, the Chicago Cubs will square off against the Washington Nationals from the nation’s capital. Be ready for the baseball season with all of our MLB predictions. The Cubs (69-66) have reeled off four straight victories and are 4.5 games back in the race for the final NL Wild Card spot. Last night, SP Shota Imanaga (11-3) struck out eight batters in six innings to lead Chicago to a 7-6 road victory against Washington. 

Twenty-seven year old righty Javier Asaad (6-4 3.15 ERA) has quietly put together a solid season for the Cubs. In his last start, Assad (7 IP) gave up six hits and three runs during a 7-2 road loss against Miami. 

The Washington Nationals have won six of their last 11 games and have shown signs of improvement for manager Dave Martinez. On Friday, Washington SP Jake Irvin (9-11) was roughed up for seven runs in the second inning and took the loss. 3B Jose Tena had a two-run double in the opening frame for the Nationals (61-74), who fell to 32-35 at home. 

Rookie left-hander D.J. Herz (2-6 3.84 ERA) will make his 15th career major league start for the Nationals. Last time out, Hertz fired eight shutout frames and fanned eight batters during a 5-1 road victory against Atlanta. 

Chicago C Tomas Nido (knee) is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa and is eligible to return on September 2nd, Chicago ranks 15th in OPS and 15th in runs scored. For the season, Washington ranks 22nd in OPS and 21st in runs scored. Take the under. Final Score Prediction, Chicago Cubs win 4-3.