Colorado Rockies (15-57, fifth in the NL West) vs. Washington Nationals (30-42, fourth in the NL East)

Washington; Tuesday, 6:45 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Rockies: Antonio Senzatela (1-10, 7.23 ERA, 2.03 WHIP, 35 strikeouts); Nationals: Mike Soroka (3-4, 5.14 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 40 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Nationals -201, Rockies +166; over/under is 9 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Washington Nationals aim to break their six-game home slide with a win against the Colorado Rockies.

Washington has gone 15-22 in home games and 30-42 overall. The Nationals have a 21-5 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.

Colorado is 15-57 overall and 8-30 on the road. The Rockies have gone 10-24 in games when they record at least eight hits.

Tuesday’s game is the fifth time these teams meet this season. The season series is tied 2-2.

TOP PERFORMERS: James Wood has 18 doubles, 18 home runs and 51 RBIs for the Nationals. Alex Call is 11 for 35 with a double, two home runs and three RBIs over the last 10 games.

Hunter Goodman has 16 doubles, three triples and 13 home runs for the Rockies. Thairo Estrada is 13 for 46 with four doubles and four RBIs over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nationals: 1-9, .214 batting average, 4.40 ERA, outscored by 19 runs

Rockies: 3-7, .272 batting average, 6.85 ERA, outscored by 20 runs

INJURIES: Nationals: Andrew Chafin: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Dylan Crews: 10-Day IL (back), Paul DeJong: 10-Day IL (face), Orlando Ribalta: 15-Day IL (biceps), Derek Law: 15-Day IL (forearm), DJ Herz: 60-Day IL (elbow), Mason Thompson: 60-Day IL (elbow), Josiah Gray: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Rockies: Ryan Feltner: 60-Day IL (back), Kyle Freeland: 15-Day IL (back), Ezequiel Tovar: 10-Day IL (oblique), Tanner Gordon: 15-Day IL (oblique), Kris Bryant: 60-Day IL (lumbar), Jeff Criswell: 60-Day IL (elbow)

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

In a moment that resonated with fans and teammates alike, James Wood, the promising left fielder for the Washington Nationals, delivered a pivotal two-run home run that not only shattered the team’s eight-game losing streak but also marked a personal milestone—his 50th run batted in of the season. This powerful swing against the Colorado Rockies was more than just a statistic; it was a beacon of hope for a franchise grappling with adversity.

A Season of Struggles

The Nationals entered this matchup against the Rockies mired in a lengthy losing streak that had left them floundering in the playoff race. Since their triumphant World Series victory in 2019, the team has been in a constant state of rebuilding, navigating through the complexities of roster changes and developmental challenges. This latest stretch of losses had cast a shadow over the team’s aspirations, making Wood’s timely contributions all the more significant.

James Wood: A Rising Star

At just 20 years old, Wood has emerged as a key figure in the Nationals’ future. His blend of power and potential has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, positioning him as a cornerstone of the team’s rebuilding efforts. The achievement of reaching 50 RBIs in a season is a testament to his growth and resilience, showcasing his ability to deliver in critical moments. As he continues to develop, Wood’s performance is a promising sign for a franchise eager to reclaim its place among the league’s elite.

Turning Points and Future Prospects

This victory not only halted the Nationals’ downward spiral but also provided a much-needed morale boost for the entire organization. Ending a losing streak can reinvigorate a team, fostering a sense of unity and determination as they look forward. Wood’s home run symbolizes more than just a win; it embodies the potential for a brighter future as the Nationals strive to rebuild their competitive edge.

A Moment to Remember

As the season progresses, the significance of Wood’s two-run blast will resonate beyond the scoreboard. It serves as a reminder of the resilience inherent in sports—the ability to rise from setbacks, to find strength in adversity, and to inspire hope in fans and teammates alike. With young stars like Wood leading the charge, the Washington Nationals are poised to navigate their rebuilding journey with renewed vigor and ambition.

Tonight’s matchup at Nationals Park brings the Rockies, the worst team in baseball, into the fray against the Nationals, who have been struggling themselves but still hold a distinct edge. Despite Washington’s eight-game losing streak, they have a massive pitching advantage and a more capable offense in this one. Jake Irvin takes the mound for the Nats, and while his 4.21 ERA isn’t dominant, he’s been a steady presence in the rotation, especially at home, where he boasts a solid 3.46 ERA. Colorado’s Carson Palmquist, meanwhile, has been a mess. With a 7.77 ERA and a 1.82 WHIP in 22 innings, Palmquist has yet to show he belongs at the MLB level. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Monday night baseball game between the Nationals and the Rockies.

Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.

Irvin’s control is key here. With a 2.2:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, he has the ability to limit damage, especially against a Rockies lineup that strikes out 9.64 times per game (5th most in MLB). On the other hand, Palmquist has been walking batters at a horrific rate—13 walks to just 16 strikeouts—and allowing a .310 opponent average. Colorado’s lack of patience at the plate plays right into Irvin’s strengths, giving him an excellent chance to rack up strikeouts while keeping baserunners to a minimum.

Offensively, Washington has been cold, but the Rockies are even colder. The Nationals, while underperforming, still have more pop in their lineup. James Wood (17 home runs, .538 slugging percentage) and CJ Abrams (.274/.340/.473) have been bright spots for Washington. Wood, especially, has been a standout against left-handed pitchers, slugging .622 against them this season. With Palmquist on the mound—who has allowed 2.05 HR/9 in his brief MLB career—this is a prime opportunity for Wood to continue his power surge. Additionally, Washington has a significantly better wRC+ (106) against left-handed pitchers compared to Colorado’s 89 wRC+ against right-handers.

The Rockies, meanwhile, are a mess on offense. They rank 29th in MLB in runs per game (3.3) and are dead last in batting average (.224). Beyond Hunter Goodman (.284/.332/.504, 11 home runs) and Ryan McMahon (.221, 10 home runs), the rest of the lineup has been largely ineffective. McMahon has a solid .409 average over his last seven games, but his overall numbers against righties are underwhelming. The Rockies strike out at an alarming rate and fail to make consistent contact, which spells trouble against Irvin.

Washington’s bullpen, though shaky, is in a much better spot than Colorado’s. With Kyle Finnegan, one of the most underrated closers in the game (18 saves, thirdrd in MLB), Washington has a much stronger backend to protect any lead. Colorado’s bullpen has been an absolute disaster, sitting at a 5.12 ERA and relying on a “closer by committee” approach that has yielded just nine saves.

Nationals vs. Rockies pick, best bet

Looking at the betting trends, the Nationals are 4-1 SU in their last five home games against Colorado and have historically handled the Rockies at Nationals Park. The Rockies are an abysmal 7-30 on the road and 1-4 in their last five games in Washington. These trends align with a much stronger pitching performance from Irvin, who also boasts better numbers at home. Meanwhile, Palmquist’s struggles have been well-documented, and the Rockies’ road woes only add to their odds of another blowout loss.

The under, sitting at 9.0 runs, is the logical pick here. Washington’s offensive slump means they’ll likely struggle to hit the over, but with Palmquist on the mound and Colorado’s offense being one of the worst in baseball, it’s hard to envision a high-scoring affair. The lack of wind and a mild forecast shouldn’t play much of a role, but with Irvin holding down Colorado’s offense and Washington likely winning by multiple runs, this total feels too high.

The under makes the most sense given both teams’ recent form and the stark pitching disparity. Washington’s offense may be cold, but against Palmquist, they should do enough to win this comfortably while Irvin locks down Colorado.

Bounceback night for Jake Irvin—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!

Free MLB Pick: Rockies vs. Nationals Odds

Looking for Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals Free MLB predictions? MLB betting sees the Rockies taking on the Nationals on Monday, June 16th, 2024 at Nationals Park, in Washington, DC. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions like this Rockies Nationals free pick.

2025 MLB Handicapping – Colorado Rockies vs Washington Nationals

(14-57) Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals (30-41)

Date: Monday, June 16th

Time: 6:45 ET

Venue: Nationals Park Washington, DC

Projected Starting Pitchers: Carson Palmquist vs. Jake Irvin

MLB Moneyline Odds: Rockies +173 | Nationals -208 (Bet Now!)

Today’s MLB Run Line Betting Odds: Rockies +1.5 | Nationals -1.5

MLB Baseball Gambling Total: O/U: 9

Rockies vs. Nationals Gameday

There appears to be a chance for light rain in Washington, D.C., on Monday, where the Nationals and Rockies face off. First pitch from Nationals Park is set for 6:45 PM ET. Jake Irvin is the Nationals’ starter, and they are 8-0verall and 41. Carson Palmquist will go for the Rockies, who are 5th in the NL West with a record of 14-57.

Washington is the heavy money line favorite, with odds of -208 compared to the Rockies at +173. The over/under line is sitting at 9 runs, and this NL matchup can be seen on COLR.

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are coming off a big 10-1 win over the Braves to close out their series. Colorado was the +280 underdog on the money line going into this matchup. Things really got away from the Braves in the 7th inning, as the Rockies scored six runs in the inning. Colorado’s offense was carried by Ryan McMahon, who went 1/5 with a homer and five RBIs.

Austin Gomber got the start for the Rockies, going five innings and not giving up a run. He also issued just one walk and struck out four Braves batters. Jake Bird picked up the win out of the bullpen, and the Rockies scored three more runs in the 8th to close things out.

Colorado is on the road today to take on the Nationals, and they are 14-57 overall this season. The Rockies are in 5th place in the NL West, 28.5 games behind the Dodgers. So far, they have gone just 4-15 in divisional games.

At home, the Rockies are a league-worst 7-27 this year. On the road, they are only slightly better at 7-30. This season, the Rockies have really struggled in night games, going 6-34 compared to 8-23 in day games. As the underdog, Colorado has gone 14-57 and is 1-22 in series this year.

Rockies Stats

As a team, the Rockies are batting just .224 this season, which is 23rd in the league. They are also near the bottom of the league in runs per game, home runs, and on-base percentage. However, they do have a few hitters who have been swinging the bat well of late, as Ryan McMahon has gone 5/17 in his last five games with two homers, and Thairo Estrada has gone 8/24 in his last five games.

For the season, Hunter Goodman is batting .284 and leads the team with 40 RBIs and 11 homers. McMahon is also in double digits in homers, but he has a batting average of just .221. Orlando Arcia comes into the game on a five-game hitting streak, while Tyler Freeman has hit safely in three straight games.

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Washington Nationals

The Nationals will be looking to get back on track after closing out their series vs. the Marlins with a 3-1 loss. This was especially tough, as they held a lead going into the 7th inning before the Marlins scored three runs in the top of the 7th. Washington was the -161 favorite at home going into the game.

MacKenzie Gore put together a good start for the Nationals, going six innings and giving up just two earned runs, and striking out five. However, the Nationals couldnjson’t close things out, and Gore took the loss. Washington’s offense scored their only run in the 1st inning and had a total of six hits.

Washington is looking to snap an eight-game losing streak today as they host the Rockies. The Nationals are 30-41 overall and trail the Mets by 14.5 games in the NL East. So far, they are just 8-17 against other NL East teams.

The Nationals have dropped five straight at home, and they are just 15-21 at home this year. On the road, Washington is 15-20 this year. They have lost four straight series and are 9-13-1 in series play this year. Their most recent series loss came at the hands of the Marlins.

Nationals Stats

Washington’s offense has been led by James Wood and CJ Abrams so far this season. Wood’s 17 homers is 7th in the league, and he is batting .280 overall. Abrams is hitting .275 and has gone deep 9 times. Over his last six games, Abrams is hitting .400, with six runs scored and an RBI. Wood has also been swinging a hot bat, going 9/24 in his last six games.

Josh Bell, Nathaniel Lowe, and CJ Abrams are all tied for 2nd on the team with nine homers, but Bell and Lowe are batting just .183 and .228, respectively. Bell is on a four-game hitting streak, but Lowe has gone just 4/21 in his last six games.

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Rockies Nationals Pitching

Carson Palmquist is getting the start for the Rockies today as they are on the road to take on the Nationals. So far this season, Palmquist has taken the loss in each of his first three starts. His last time out, he went 4 innings and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits. He has yet to go more than 5 innings in a start this season.

Jake Irvin will be looking to bounce back from a rough outing vs. the Mets, as he gave up four earned runs in five innings of work. In that start, he gave up two homers. Before that outing, he had picked up the win in two straight starts and didn’t give up a run in either outing. Overall, Irvin is 5-3 with a 4.21 ERA and has a WHIP of 1.25. Opposing batters are hitting .243 off the right-hander this season. Irvin has made six quality starts and is averaging 5.83 strikeouts per nine innings.

Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals MLB Baseball Betting Trends

The Rockies head into the game having gone 4-6 straight-up in their last ten games on the road.

The Rockies they are 5-5 vs. the runline in their previous ten games on the road.

Conversely, the Nationals are 5-5 over their last ten home games (straight-up).

Furthermore, the Nationals have a 7-3 mark vs. the runline across their last ten home games.

Also, the Rockies are 2-1 in their last three games as the favorite. On the other hand, they are 1-2 as the underdog (last 3).

The Nationals have a record of 1-2 across their last three games when favored. As the underdog, they are 0-3 in their last three games.

Rockies vs. Nationals Prediction: Over 9 Runs -103

For this matchup, we are actually predicting the Nationals to pick up a win, but we are not recommending taking them on the money line at -208. Instead, we recommend taking the over, as we have the final score at 7-5 in favor of the Nats.

Looking at some potential player props, we have Carson Palmquist finishing with five strikeouts, which would have him finishing with more K’s than Jake Irvin, who we have finishing with four K’s.

I like runs in this one tonight.

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About Matthew Wiesenfeld For nearly a decade the Wiesguy has been helping readers learn and win. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is a true expert. He is always a little sweet on the underdogs while covering all sports to give you the insight you need to build your bankroll.

The Nationals have lost eight consecutive games and are coming off being swept in a three-game series to the Marlins and Mets over the past seven days.

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For Colorado, the Rockies are coming off a 10-1 win over the Braves that snapped a two-game losing streak. The Rockies are 2-7 in the past nine games and have gone 0-5 when Palmquist pitches this season.

Let’s dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Rockies at Nationals

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025

Time: 6:45PM EST

Site: Nationals Park

City: Washington, DC

Network/Streaming: COLR, MASN

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Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Rockies at the Nationals

The latest odds as of Monday:

Moneyline: Rockies (+168), Nationals (-204)

Spread: Nationals -1.5

Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Rockies at Nationals

Pitching matchup for June 16, 2025: Carson Palmquist vs. Jake Irvin

Rockies: Carson Palmquist, (0-4, 7.77 ERA)

Last outing: 4.0 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts Nationals: Jake Irvin, (5-3, 4.21 ERA)

Last outing: 5.0 Innings Pitched, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 5 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts

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Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Rockies and the Nationals

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday’s game between the Rockies and the Nationals:

Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Washington Nationals on the Moneyline.

Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Colorado Rockies at +1.5.

Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 9.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Rockies at Nationals

The Nationals have won 6 of their last 8 home games against the Rockies

9 of the Nationals’ last 11 games (82%) have stayed under the Total

The Nationals have failed to cover the Run Line in 6 of their last 8 games

Washington is 7-7 on the ML when Jake Irvin pitches this season

Colorado is 0-5 this season when Carson Palmquist pitches

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If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

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