The Washington Nationals (73-83) and Detroit Tigers (73-83) meet Monday to begin a 3-game series. First pitch from Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze MLB odds around the Nationals vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting of 2026
The Nationals lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3 Sunday, closing as a +108 underdog as the Under (8.5) cashed. Washington has nonetheless been on a tear, winning 6 of its last 8 contests and scoring at least 6 runs in 5 of those wins. The Nationals have been eliminated from postseason action, sitting 13 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the final NL Wild Card spot.
The Tigers lost to the Chicago White Sox
8-1 on Sunday, falling as a -101 underdog with the Over (8) hitting. Detroit has dropped 4 of its last 5 games after winning 6 in a row prior immediately before. The Tigers are 7 games behind the White Sox for the final AL Wild Card spot and were eliminated from the playoffs in Sunday's loss.
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Nationals at Tigers projected starters
LHP DJ Herz vs. RHP River Ryan
Herz makes his 1st start. He started 19 games in the 2024 season but has been out following a lengthy Tommy John surgery recovery.
- Will be commencing the second season of his career Monday after being activated from the 60-day IL
- Has never faced the Tigers
- 2024 splits: 4-9, 4.16 ERA (88 2/3 IP, 41 ER), 1.26 WHIP, 1.1 HR/9, 3.7 BB/9 and 10.8 K/9 in 19 starts
Ryan makes his 1st MLB start of 2026. He split time between the AAA Oklahoma City Comets (8 starts) and AAA Toledo Mud Hens (2 starts) in 2026.
- Started 4 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024: 1-0, 1.33 ERA (20 1/3 IP, 3 ER), 1.18 WHIP
- Has yet to face the Nationals in his career
- 2026 AAA splits: 3-1, 4.39 ERA (41 IP, 20 ER), 1.34 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9, 10.3 K/9 in 10 starts
Nationals at Tigers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Nationals +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Tigers -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Nationals +1.5 (-185) | Tigers -1.5 (+150)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Nationals at Tigers picks and predictions
Prediction
Nationals 5, Tigers 4
Moneyline
BET NATIONALS (+115).
The Nationals' offense has been consistent enough to trust here. Washington put up a total of 20 runs in their most recent 3-game series with the Cardinals. Herz also showed ample promise in his lone MLB season -- 19 starts in 2024 -- so the Nats should have the advantage on the mound.
Ryan wasn't necessarily impressive during his AAA stint, and the Tigers' offense has been atrocious. They have scored one run in 4 of their last 5 games. With the favorable odds here, take NATIONALS (+115).
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
Avoid this play. The Nationals (-185) as the underdog are too expensive, while the Tigers (+15-) are a tad too risky, especially with Ryan on the mound.
Over/Under
BET OVER 8.5 (-115).
Both sides are slightly trending toward the Over coming into this one.
The Nationals are 5-2 O/U in their previous 7 games and have allowed 5 runs in 4 of those contests. Detroit is 4-3 O/U in its last 7 performances, giving up at least 5 runs in 4 of those games. Couple those trends together and take the OVER 8.5 (-115).
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Washington Nationals at Detroit Tigers odds, picks and predictions
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