10* Over Nationals/Cardinals (7:45 ET): Still reeling from a COVID-19 outbreak, the short-handed Nationals have dropped five in a row while being shutout in three of the last four losses. It should be mentioned that two of those shutouts were against the Dodgers, who have tremendous pitching staff. In the three games where they were NOT blanked this season, the Nats put up at least five runs. So there have been some games where the offense has done just fine, despite the missing players.

St. Louis just gave up nine runs both Saturday and Sunday. That was after allowing just four runs total the previous four games. But the first series of the year saw them hit hard as they allowed 27 runs in three games to the Reds. So, outside of Miami, everyone is getting to the Cards’ pitching thus far. Through nine games, the bullpen has actually worked more innings than the starting rotation, which is not a good sign.

Starting today for the Cards will be John Gant, who allowed only an unearned run when he faced the Marlins last Tuesday. That was his 1st start since 2018. While he allowed only the one run, he did walk three batters and needed 82 pitches to record 12 outs. My view is that the Washington hitters will break out of their slump today against Gant. But starting Erick Fedde is a problem for the Nationals as he allowed six runs in 1 ⅔ innings his first time out. 10* Over Nationals/Cardinals