Washington Nationals vs. San Diego Padres: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres continue their three-game series at Petco Park in San Diego on Tuesday night, with first pitch set for 9:40 PM ET on MLB Network.

After a chaotic, run-filled opener that saw the Nationals mash their way to a 10–6 win, both clubs look to settle in and get back on track, though early signs point to another high-scoring affair under the lights.

The Nationals arrived on the West Coast just having snapped an 11-game losing streak, but a power surge has sparked fresh life. They split two games with the Dodgers in Los Angeles and then jumped all over San Diego’s pitching Monday night, collecting double-digit runs and multi-hit games from each of the first six hitters in their lineup.

Former Padres top prospects CJ Abrams and James Wood, who were the centerpieces of the Juan Soto trade, looked every bit like the young stars they are, each recording three hits, with Wood launching his 22nd homer of the season to boost his OPS to an impressive .948.

Washington Nationals vs. San Diego Padres betting picks and predictions

San Diego Padres -1.5 (+125)

The Padres dropped game one but enter tonight’s rematch as clear favorites to bounce back, and the matchup on the mound suggests they’re in a good spot to do so.

San Diego will hand the ball to rookie right-hander Ryan Bergert, who’s posted a sparkling 1.88 ERA and 0.96 WHIP across 24 innings this year. Since transitioning into the rotation, Bergert has logged four solid starts in June, pitching at least 4.2 innings each time while holding opponents to a combined five runs.

While it’s a small sample, Bergert has handled hitters from both sides well, holding left-handed bats to a .146 average and just a .393 OPS. That’s a critical edge against a Nationals lineup that leans heavily on lefties like Abrams, Wood, Luis Garcia Jr., Nathaniel Lowe, Keibert Ruiz and Josh Bell. Bergert’s only question mark is pitching at home, as he’s logged just one inning at Petco Park so far this year, but the Padres’ rested bullpen should be ready to protect any lead he hands over.

Washington counters with veteran righty Trevor Williams, who has struggled mightily in 2025 after an impressive previous campaign. Through 15 starts, Williams owns a 5.54 ERA and a bloated 1.45 WHIP, surrendering 90 hits in just under 75 innings. He’s been particularly vulnerable on the road (5.04 ERA) and has been punished by left-handed hitters, allowing a .365 average and a .976 OPS with seven of his eight homers allowed coming off the bats of lefties.

The Padres’ left-handed core is in a good position to take advantage. Manny Machado, Jake Cronenworth and Fernando Tatis Jr. all contributed big swings last night, and Jackson Merrill is always a threat to take over a game. Plus, the Padres have hit Williams well historically: the current lineup holds a .278 average with a .748 OPS in 54 at-bats against him.

Expect San Diego’s offense to jump out early against Williams and for the bullpen to lock things down late. If Bergert can deliver his usual five steady innings, the Padres should be in prime position to win by multiple runs.

Over 8.5 Total Runs (-110)

There’s been no shortage of fireworks between these two so far on this trip. The Nationals’ recent game totals: 11, 10, 20 and 16 runs, including last night’s combined 16-run slugfest at Petco Park. With Trevor Williams’ struggles, especially against lefties, and San Diego’s ability to string hits together, this feels like another spot for crooked numbers on both sides.

While Bergert has been excellent, he’s yet to pitch deep into games — his longest start is 5.1 innings — so expect the Padres to need four-plus innings from their bullpen. Washington’s lineup is brimming with confidence, and power threats like Wood and Abrams are proving capable of taking any pitcher deep. Meanwhile, the Padres have the kind of depth that can wear down any opposing arm once they get into the bullpen.

Put it all together: a hittable veteran starter for Washington, a rookie with limited MLB innings on the other side, two capable lineups and favorable weather at Petco - and it adds up to another high-scoring night.

Luis Arraez Over 1.5 Total Bases (+100)

If you’re targeting an individual performance tonight, look no further than Luis Arraez. San Diego’s contact king went 1-for-4 last night but was robbed of extra bases on a highlight-reel catch. He’s hitting below his usual standard (.279) but has an outstanding career line against Williams: 7-for-18 with a double and even a rare home run.

Hitting second in a lineup stacked with run producers, Arraez should see plenty of hittable pitches and opportunities to reach base multiple times. With his elite bat-to-ball skills and Williams’ poor splits against lefties, Arraez is well positioned to notch at least two total bases tonight.

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Washington Nationals vs. San Diego Padres odds

Washington Nationals	+140 ML
San Diego Padres	-165 ML
Run Line	SD Padres -1.5
Total	O/U 8.5

Washington Nationals vs. San Diego Padres player props

Player Home Run Odds

Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD Padres)	+280
Manny Machado (SD Padres)	+320
Jackson Merril (SD Padres)	+350
James Wood (WAS Nationals)	+350
Gavin Sheets (SD Padres)	+475
CJ Abrams (WAS Nationals)	+500

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.