Published Apr 4, 9:10pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 4, 9:10pm ET
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| Washington Nationals | +180 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | -200 |
The Dodgers were understandably concerned about Roki Sasaki in spring training when he walked 15 in 8.2 innings and posted a 15.58 ERA. On a positive note, he struck out 12. He has frequent problems with his command, but the talent is there. He was excellent in the 2025 postseason, posting a 0.84 ERA in 10.2 innings, helping LA win its second straight World Series.
In his first start of 2026, he eased the anxiety with 4 solid innings and only 2 walks against the Guardians. He took the loss, but at least he didn't walk the ballpark. Still, he needs to be watched closely to ensure his mechanics are consistent and he keeps the ball around the strike zone.
LA's hitting has been inconsistent in the early season. Andy Pages is batting .500 with 3 homers. Teoscar Hernandez is hitting .320, but has not yet homered. The rest of the lineup is struggling, particularly Mookie Betts, who is hitting .179.
Sasaki has never faced any Nationals batter in the regular season.
Foster Griffin was a 1st round draft pick by the Royals in 2014. The lefty didn't make the majors until 2020 and that was for only 1 game. He struggled in brief trials in subsequent years with KC and the Blue Jays. Then he went to Japan for three years.
In those three years for Yomiuri, he had an 18-10 record, tossed 315.2 innings, allowed 256 hits, walked 70, and struck out 318. He earned a chance with the Nats and secured a 1-year contract for $5.5 million.
In his first start for the Nats, he threw 5 innings against the Phillies in a 13-2 win. He allowed 5 hits, 2 earned runs, walked none, and struck out 5.
For the Nats, CJ Abrams has started off well with 3 homerrs and a .982 OPS. Joey Wiemer is hitting .588 with 2 homers and a 1.741 OPS. Brady House is batting .300 with an .815 OPS.
Keibert Ruiz, former Dodgers prospect, is batting .200 and somehow has an OBP lower than his batting average at .188. James Wood is batting .111 with a homer.
The only Dodgers batter Griffin has faced in the majors is Shohei Ohtani, who struck out in his sole at-bat.
Sasaki might have pitched well in his first start, but he comes unraveled very easily. The Nats have been solid at the plate this season and Griffin looked good in his first start against a good-hitting Phillies team.
The underdog Nationals will take this game over the World Series champs, mostly because of Sasaki's difficulty in corralling his wicked stuff.
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Washington Nationals +180
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