The Mets shouldn't be favored here. Yes, Jacob deGrom is an outstanding pitcher. But his start was pushed back due to a stiff neck. So you wonder if he's 100 percent? The biggest problem the Mets have, though, is multiple key injuries.

Among those out for the Mets are Yoenis Cespedes, Lucas Duda and Wilmer Flores, New York also could be missing Asdrubal Cabrera and Travis d'Arnaud. The Nationals just got back Trea Turner.

Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez is enjoying a strong April - three earned runs allowed in three starts - and has a strong history versus the Mets with an 11-5 record and 3.04 ERA.