Philadelphia Phillies (Ranger Suarez) vs. Washington Nationals (Josiah Gray)

This is not your usual starting pitcher lineup. The Phillies have Ranger Suarez (5-3, 1.12 ERA) a very sharp reliever/closer starting for the first time. Starting! Facing Suarez, will be 23 year old rookie, Josiah Gray. Gray came to Washington with the Scherzer trade, unpacked his bags and will start the next day. He has no record, only two previous outings, an ERA of 6.75, unfamiliar team mates. I hope they at least found him a hotel room.

If it seems like Washington has auctioned off half the team, well, they did, losing 2 starters, two top relievers, and only a few vital parts of their offense. They managed a win today against the equally gutted Chicago Cubs, but it is hard to have anything but low expectations for the remainder of the season.

The Phillies off a massive win against against the Pirates, are still in play for a wild card spot. They added a starter and closer at the deadline plus baseball’s original nomadic shortstop, Freddy Galvis.. How many teams has he played for? I have lost count. The Phillies have helped themselves in the pitching department and likely this game will come down to the relievers. Suarez is effective but not stretched out at all, and who knows how Gray will respond.

Washington as a team used to struggle against against lefties but who knows now. The Phillies are good as a favorite, and pretty good against right-handers. I am wagering that they will take advantage of Gray and whatever relievers the Nationals can find to throw out there. Take the Phillies to win.