Nationals vs. Dodgers Prediction and Odds for Tuesday, July 26 (Josiah Gray Gives Nationals a Shot)

The Nationals cashed as massive underdogs last night, handing Tony Gonsolin his first loss and snapping an eight-game winning streak for the Dodgers.

Washington hopes for a similar result today with Josiah Gray taking the mound against Mitch White. That'll be difficult though, as Gray has been terrible this month. He's got a 7.02 ERA in three July starts as the Nationals have lost five of his last six outings.

White is inconsistent, with his highs high and lows very low. In his last three starts, for example, he's allowed zero earned runs in two of them and six in the other.

In a battle between two inconsistent arms, who has the edge? To find the value in this Nationals vs Dodgers matchup, let's first take a peak at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook:

Nationals vs Dodgers Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• Nationals +1.5 (+105)
• Dodgers -1.5 (-125)

Moneyline:

• Nationals: +212
• Dodgers: -235

Total:

• 9.0 (Over -105/Under -135)

Nationals vs Dodgers Prediction and Pick

Josiah Gray is an exciting young pitcher whom I've got tons of optimism for moving forward. Both his slider and curveball have an opponent's expected batting average under .190 and he's got a sparkling 2.14 ERA on the road.

He's struggled to limit home runs lately, which is obviously a problem against the Dodgers. But, I expect him to refine his already-impressive command to reduce those mistake pitches.

That gives him value moving forward, especially against an underwhelming pitcher like Mitch White. White's 4.15 expected ERA is mediocre at best and he ranks in the 43rd percentile in expected batting average compared to the 71st for Gray. He struggles with command in a big way, walking eight batters in his last 15 innings.

I don't trust Washington's bullpen, but I'm willing to take a shot on the club in the first five innings thanks to Gray. Give me the Nationals +.5 (+120) at WynnBET as Gray steps up against his toughest competition yet.

Pick: Nationals First Five Innings +.5 (+120)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.