8* Run Line Washington (6:05 ET): First off, be sure to note that we’re playing the Nationals on the RUN LINE here (+1.5). While it’s been quite the disappointing season overall for the World Series Champs, perhaps the most frustrating thing is an 0-6 head to head record with the division rival Phillies. Even that record up and they might very well still be viable for the playoffs heading into the final week of the regular season. I believe they’re going to get AT LEAST one in this series, so take them on the RL Monday just to be safe.

Now Washington did play a doubleheader on Sunday. Despite allowing just two runs in 14 innings, they had to settle for a split with Miami. The Nationals lost the first game 2-1 before roaring back to take the second game 15-0. It was their second shutout of the series, although they still ended up dropping three of five overall to the Marlins (teams played two doubleheaders). I realize that Anibal Sanchez (Monday’s starter) has mostly struggled in 2020, but he’ll be facing a severely depleted Phillies lineup tonight.

The Phillies were already without J.T. Realmuto and Rhys Hoskins from their every day lineup. So you can imagine the feeling when Bryce Harper exited Sunday’s game vs. Toronto (a 6-3 loss) with back tightness. Harper’s status is questionable for Monday and beyond. The Phils will have to heavily lean on starter Zach Wheeler tonight, but the problem is he’s 6-10 all-time vs. the Nats with a 4.71 ERA in 19 starts. The Phillies are a sub-.500 team on the road this year, not to mention 31 games under the L3 seasons! 8* Run Line Washington