Nationals vs. Phillies Prediction, Odds, Probable Pitchers, Prop Bets for Wednesday, April 1

The Philadelphia Phillies are set as massive favorites on Wednesday night against the Washington Nationals, as they’re looking to get back to .500 in the 2026 season.

Washington opened this series with a 13-2 win, but the Phillies rebounded with a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night.

On the bright side for the Phillies, left Cristopher Sanchez is on the mound for his second appearance of the 2026 season after tossing six innings of scoreless ball against the Texas Rangers in his debut.

He’ll take on Washington righty Cade Cavalli, who failed to get through four innings in his first start of the 2026 season.

Can the Phillies win – and cover – in their quest to get back to .500?

Here’s a look at the odds, a player to watch in the prop market and my prediction for this NL East battle.

Nationals vs. Phillies Odds, Run Line and Total

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Run Line

Nationals +1.5 (+104)
Phillies -1.5 (-126)

Moneyline

Nationals: +224
Phillies: -280

Total

8 (Over -114/Under -106)

Nationals vs. Phillies Probable Pitchers

Nationals: Cade Cavalli (0-0, 4.91 ERA)
Phillies: Cristopher Sanchez (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Nationals vs. Phillies How to Watch

Date: Wednesday, April 1
Time: 1:05 p.m. EST
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
How to Watch (TV): NBC 10/Nationals.TV
Nationals record: 3-2
Phillies record: 2-3

Nationals vs. Phillies Best MLB Prop Bet

Phillies Best MLB Prop Bet

Cristopher Sanchez 7+ Strikeouts (-147)

Sanchez had 10 punchouts in his season debut, and he’s coming off a 2025 season where he struck out 212 batters in 202 innings of work.

Now, he takes on a Washington team that is averaging nine strikeouts per game over the first week of the season.

Sanchez had 12 games with seven or more strikeouts in the 2025 season, and he needed just 87 pitches to mow through six innings against Texas on Opening Day. He’s worth a look against a Washington offense that has struck out 45 times in five games.

Nationals vs. Phillies Prediction and Pick

Earlier today, I shared in SI Betting’s MLB Best Bets column – Walk-Off Wagers – why the Phillies are worth look with Sanchez on the mound:

The Philadelphia Phillies are a great bet on Wednesday night with lefty Cristopher Sanchez on the mound, as he spun six innings of three-hit, no-run ball in a win over the Texas Rangers in his 2026 debut.

Last season, Sanchez was lights out for the Phils, posting a 2.50 ERA while leading them to a 23-9 record in his outings.

So, I don’t mind betting on the Phillies to win by two or more against a lowly Washington Nationals team and young righty Cade Cavalli.

Last season, Cavalli had a 5.18 ERA in 10 appearances with the big-league club, and he was chased after 3.2 innings in his 2026 debut after allowing three hits, three runs (two earned) and three walks.

The Phillies’ bullpen has been shaky so far this season (6.16 ERA), but I think Sanchez allows them a chance to work with a nice cushion on Wednesday afternoon.

Pick: Phillies -1.5 (-126 at DraftKings)

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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