Phillies Game Today, August 2: Phillies vs Nationals Odds, Starting Lineup, Pitching Matchup, Predictions, Live Stream, and TV Channel
The Philadelphia Phillies are playing the Washington Nationals for what feels like the hundredth time this season. Last week, the Phillies played host for the four-game set, this week, they’re in our nation’s capital for another four.
Thanks to an impressive debut by Kyle Gibson, whom the Phillies acquired from the Texas Rangers at Friday’s trade deadline, the Phillies moved back into second place in the NL East with a 15-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. Karma for the Tyler Anderson fiasco, perhaps.
The Phillies are 52-53 on the season now, while the Nationals are 49-56 in fourth place. This division is wildly mediocre; the only team above .500 is the New York Mets, who are only 3.5 games ahead of the Phillies. The only team with a positive run-differential is the third-place Atlanta Braves, who are 52-54, but have a +49 RDIFF. The NL East is the only division in which the first-place team doesn’t have a positive RDIFF. Weirdos.
What Channel is the Phillies Game on Today?
Tonight’s Phillies game is available on ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, MLB Extra Innings, ESPN3, and MLB.TV (blackout restrictions may apply).
Phillies vs Nationals Odds Today
The Phillies are favored to win tonight. They’re -120 on the moneyline (bet $120 to win $100), while the Nationals are +100 (bet $100 to win $100).
The spread has Washington at +1.5 at -165 (bet $165 to win $100), while the Phillies are -1.5 at +135 (bet $100 to win $135).
If you’re into betting the total amount of runs, the over/under is 8.5 runs tonight. It’s -120 on the over (bet $120 to win $100) and +100 on the under (bet $100 to win $100)
Download the WynnBET App in New Jersey, Indiana, or Colorado
Phillies vs Nationals Pitching Matchup
Tonight’s matchup has Ranger Suárez back in the starting rotation after impressing in relief roles all season. He and Chase Anderson have been moved back to starter roles for the time being, with the struggling Vince Velasquez sent to the bullpen in what can only be described as a time-out.
Suárez was originally supposed to be a starter when he made his Phillies debut in 2018 and started three of the four games he appeared in that season but hasn’t started a game for the team since. He has a 1.12 ERA over 27 games this season, including 13 games finished and four saves. He’s struck out 42 batters over 40 1/3 innings and has only walked 14 of the 158 batters he’s faced this year. Hopefully, Suárez’s impeccable performance so far this season continues in his new role.
The Nationals are bringing out a new addition in Josiah Gray, who has a 6.75 ERA over two career big-league games with the Dodgers this season. He was part of the blockbuster deal that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to Los Angeles last week.
Don’t let that high ERA fool you into thinking this game will be easy; Gray ranked 59th on Baseball America’s Midseason Top 100 Prospects list, has a mid-to-high-90s fastball, and the Nationals are extremely optimistic about his future in the rotation.
Phillies Starting Lineup
Check back later for tonight’s lineup!
Phillies vs Nationals Predictions Today
The Phillies continue their quest to be an above-.500 team and stay that way. They’re close; 52-53 puts them at .495, so a win tonight could get them to the middle again.
With only two career starts, neither of which were for his new team, Gray is virtually unknown, which could be very good for the Phils, or absolutely terrible. The same goes for Suárez, who hasn’t started a game since 2018.
Still picking the Phillies to win tonight, but it’s either going to be a one-run fight or an absolute blowout. Feels like there is no in-between for the Fightins this year.
Phillies vs Live Stream
If you need a live stream, head to FuboTV for a free trial!
Next. Phillies: Kyle Gibson’s debut included a promising message to fans. dark
