Preview for Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
Washington Nationals at Detroit Tigers
Washington's trip to Detroit pits two clubs with fairly modest offensive profiles against each other, as the Nationals carry a WP-estimated wOBA of 0.322 compared to the Tigers' 0.313. On the run-prevention side, Detroit holds the clearer advantage with a team ERA of 3.65 and FIP of 4.09 against Washington's ERA of 4.69 and FIP of 4.78, suggesting the Tigers have been the stronger overall pitching staff this season.
The starting pitching matchup also favors Detroit on paper. Jackson Kent takes the ball for Washington with an ERA of 6.40 and FIP of 4.44 across approximately 32.3 innings pitched, while Drew Anderson starts for the Tigers with a much lower ERA of 3.62 and FIP of 4.26 over a considerably larger sample of 102.0 innings pitched. Anderson's numbers reflect both a lower ERA and a more extensive workload than Kent has managed so far.
Both rosters carry notable injury statuses. Washington has Tyler Baum listed on the 60-Day IL, Connelly Early listed on the 60-Day IL, and Levi Jordan listed on the 60-Day IL, while Detroit has Kerry Carpenter listed on the 10-Day IL, Paul DeJong listed on the 60-Day IL, and Kyle Finnegan listed on the 15-Day IL. Taken together, the team-level pitching figures and the starting pitcher comparison point toward Detroit as the side with the stronger measurable form entering this matchup, even though Washington's offensive wOBA figure is slightly higher than Detroit's.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season season-to-date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
WP selection: Tigers moneyline. Confidence: Confident.
The selection is supplied separately by WP. The comparisons above do not establish why the model made this selection.
WP home-run candidate for Nationals: Yohandy Morales. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
WP home-run candidate for Tigers: Eduardo Valencia. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
Predictions are uncertain; no outcome is guaranteed. Check the picks page for the latest available selections.