Phillies (Wheeler:10-9, 2.90) vs Nationals (Jos. Gray: 0-1 3.75)

The Phillies off a win, have been sub-par and losing ground against the Braves. Zach Wheeler, once a sure thing for a quality start, has struggled in August at 0-3, and has allowed 15 runs in 20 innings.. Rookie Josiah Gray is on the mound for the Nationals. As far as shades of Gray, there has really been only one on view in his last 7 starts and that is Bright. He has worked his way up to 6 innings per game and has allowed only two runs in each of his last three starts. He held the Phillies to 1 run over 5 innings when he faced them at the beginning of August, Washington gutted their bullpen, but theirs has been outperforming the Phillies’ at least in their last 7 games.

The Nationals are significantly better in all batting categories than the Phillies. They have done well against Wheeler in past meetings. They do not have much of a home record. The Phillies are 27- 36 on the road but have a solid record against right-handed batters.

I favor Gray and the underdog Nationals against Wheeler and the Phillies. Wheeler just hasn’t been himself since his 9 inning shutout five starts back, and Gray is a comer. Take the Nationals +1.5.