Analysis:955 Washington at Chicago Cubs
The Washington Nationals will try to get back on track after a tough series in Milwaukee with Doug Fister on the mound. They'll take on Travis Wood as they look to get back in the win column. The Cubs have lost four of their last five and continue to be plagued by inconsistent offense and subpar defense. The Nationals got a rough start from Stephen Strasburg, but quality relief from Taylor Hill allowed the Nationals to give their bullpen a day of rest, so all hands will be on deck on Thursday night.
Fister has pitched well this season with a 2.65 ERA over nine starts. The Nationals have one of the better infield defenses in the league and that should work to Fister's advantage as a pitch-to-contact guy that doesn't issue many walks. So far he has enjoyed a lower BABIP and has pitched well with runners on and those are things that should continue from a sinkerball pitcher with a quality defense. That should certainly continue against a Cubs offense that has managed just 3.5 runs per game this month.
Travis Wood has been rather fortunate this month with a 2.96 ERA, despite a 15/13 K/BB ratio and an extremely lucky .243 BABIP. Wood has had difficulty throwing strikes this month as three of his four worst starts by Zone% have come in June. That coincides with some lower velocity ratings. Those are indicators that Wood may be pitching through some kind of discomfort.
The Nationals are 11-8 against lefties this season and rank in the top ten in OPS, wRC+, and batting average against southpaws on the season. With a day to rest their bullpen and an advantage in the pitching matchup, look for the Nationals to get back in the win column on Thursday night.
PLAY: WASHINGTON
Pick Made: Jun 26 2014 4:24AM PST