Orioles vs Nationals Pick: Beltway Rivals Meet in D.C. (Apr 22)

• Our Orioles vs Nationals pick looks at the Beltway rivals in their first matchup in 2025
• Baltimore is one of MLB‘s biggest disappointments in 2025 with a 9-12 record
• Washington has a 9-13 record, but is considered something of a pleasant surprise as they rebuild
• Dean Kremer starts for the Orioles; the Nationals counter with Mitchell Parker

Orioles Need to Get on a Hot Streak

The Orioles have been inconsistent so far in 2025. Since they split their first 6 games, they have lost 9 of 15. Sunday’s loss to the Reds was a humiliating 24-2 bashing in which they used not one, but two position players, Jorge Mateo and Gary Sanchez, to get the final six outs.

It was another ghastly start for Charlie Morton, who gave up 7 runs in 2.1 innings.

Against the Nationals, righty Dean Kremer takes the hill. He has had a “one good start/one bad start” season so far.

His last outing was against the Guardians, and it was a good one. He pitched 5.1 innings, gave up 4 hits, and 1 run.

His career history against the Nationals is solid. Nathaniel Lowe is 3 for 13; Luis Garcia Jr. is 2 for 9 with a double; Alex Call is 2 for 5; and James Wood is 0 for 3.

Baltimore’s key bats are slumping. Adley Rutschman is batting .208 with a .688 OPS. Gunnar Henderson is at .228. And Jordan Westburg is at .194. Cedric Mullins has been a bright spot, batting .284 with a .429 on-base percentage and 6 home runs.

Parker Has Been a Pleasant Surprise

Mitchell Parker has a 1.85 ERA in 4 starts this season. He has thrown 24.1 innings, given up 18 hits, and 5 earned runs. The lefty has also kept the ball in the park, surrendering only 1 home run.

Against Parker, Henderson is 2 for 3 with a home run. No other Orioles have recorded a hit against him.

Kelbert Ruiz is coming into his own in 2025. The top-rated catching prospect is batting .306 with a .776 OPS. James Wood is still learning the league, but his power has been impressive with 7 home runs and 17 RBIs. He has an .861 OPS. CJ Abrams has an .874 OPS and 4 home runs, along with 4 stolen bases.

Orioles vs Nationals Pick: Washington Will Continue Baltimore’s Woes

The Nationals have been better than expected, and the Orioles have been far worse. Washington has an advantage on the mound, and they are hitting opportunistically and with pop. They will beat the Orioles behind Parker.