Nats rookie lefty Mitchell Parker owns a 9.18 ERA in July and has to face an Arizona team that hits southpaws well. The Diamondbacks rank sixth in OPS against lefties (.765). Jordan Montgomery returned last Tuesday from a one-month injury absence (knee) and held the Royals to one run on three hits over five innings. Despite Sunday's 6-5 home loss to the Pirates, Arizona is 10-4 in its last 14 games and sits one-half game out of a Wild Card spot. Take Arizona to lead after five innings.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo knows a lot more baseball than I do but why on earth would he sit Ketel Marte and Lourdes Gurriel in the same game Sunday? That's what happened and to no surprise the Snakes took a tough loss to Pittsburgh (both pinch-hit). Least we can assume both will be in there Monday now. Pitcher Jordan Montgomery looked in 2023 form last time out off the IL. Washington counterpart and southpaw Mitchell Parker has a 9.18 ERA this month and one near 5.00 on the road in 2024. Arizona ranks sixth in OPS vs. lefties. The Nationals could well trade another piece at some point before first pitch Monday.

We keep riding the Snakes and we like Jordan Montgomery to stay on his bounce back (not quite Blake Snell but close enough). Nats are fading and trading key pieces and 2-4 last 6. Mitchell Parker has been figured out after a shocking start to the season with a 6.42 ERA his last 7 starts. AZ lost a tough one Sun but is 11-4 in last 15, with 6 of those wins by 2+. They are 6-2 in their last 8 at home. Corbin Carroll finally alive and their pen further fortified. Nats are solid vs lefties but I think they struggle here vs hot opponent. Maybe they trade Lane Thomas (kills lefties) before the last start.