Saturday, May 3, 7:05 PM on MASN, CSPh

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Washington Nationals - Roark, T (2-0) vs. Philadelphia Phillies - Burnett, A (1-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Saturday night, Tanner Roark will take the mound for the Washington Nationals as they face A.J. Burnett and the Philadelphia Phillies.  Roark will make his 6th start as Burnett makes his 7th. 

Tanner Roark improved his record to 2 – 0 and his ERA to 2.76 after a complete game shutout in his last start.  Roark pitched a solid 9 innings and only allowed 3 hits with a walk and 8 strikeouts.  It took Roark just 105 pitches to get the win.  In his rookie season last year, Roark was 7 – 1 with an ERA of 1.51 in 5 starts and 9 relief appearances. 

In 2013, Roark picked up a win in his only appearance against the Phillies.  He went just 2 innings and didn’t allow anything as he got the decision.   Only 4 Phillies got to face Roark last year and no one was able to get a hit off of him.

A.J. Burnett finally got a win after his last start where he went 8 innings and pitched shutout ball, giving up just 5 hits without issuing a walk as he struck out 8.  Burnett’s record now stands at 1 – 1 with an ERA of 2.15.  The inguinal hernia that Burnett was diagnosed with a few weeks ago hasn’t slowed him down.  He should be able to better last year’s record of 10 – 11 and ERA of 3.30 in 30 starts with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 2013, Burnett was 1 - 0 with an ERA of 1.29 in 2 starts against the Nationals.   If Washington’s Adam LaRoche is in the lineup, Burnett will have to pitch carefully to him.  LaRoche is a .348 hitter with a homer and 5 RBIs against Burnett.  

Washington Nationals Betting Trends

Washington Nationals are 15-10-2 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Washington Nationals is 0.4

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends

Philadelphia Phillies are 13-10-3 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Philadelphia Phillies is -0.6

Injuries to Watch

Washington Nationals

04/27/14 LF Bryce Harper Thumb 15-day DL (4/26)
04/13/14 3B Ryan Zimmerman Thumb 15-day DL (4/13)
04/13/14 LF Jeff Kobernus Hand 60-day DL (4/12)
04/06/14 LF Scott Hairston Oblique 15-day DL (4/6)
04/02/14 C Wilson Ramos Hand 15-day DL (4/1)
03/30/14 P Doug Fister Back 15-day DL (3/23)
03/29/14 P Ross Ohlendorf Back 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Erik Davis Elbow 60-day DL (2/13)

Philadelphia Phillies

03/28/14 LF Darin Ruf Oblique 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Ethan Martin Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Miguel Gonzalez Shoulder 60-day DL (3/21)

Josh's Pick: Take Washington

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Josh Schonwald