Atlanta Braves vs Washington Nationals Prediction 4/22/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

The Atlanta Braves and the Washington Nationals will meet on Wednesday night in the third game of a four-game National League series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Atlanta Braves enter tomorrow’s contest with a 16–8 overall record (1st in National League East) and an 8–4 mark on the road. It should be noted that the Braves offense has been outstanding this season. Let me be more specific. In 24 games played in 2026, the Atlanta Braves have compiled 135 runs which ranks second in Major League Baseball.

The Braves arrive at tomorrow’s game in rather good form. Atlanta has won six of the team’s last seven games played, including a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies two days ago.  

Atlanta will turn to left‑hander Martin Perez in this contest. In four starts made this season, Perez has amassed a 1–1 win-loss record, a 2.21 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts, while allowing just 13 hits and 6 walks in 20.1 innings pitched.

The Atlanta Braves return several key contributors from last season, including catcher Drake Baldwin and outfielder Michael Harris Jr., both remain essential to the team’s offensive identity in 2026. Drake Baldwin has tallied a .310 batting average (14th in MLB), 6 RBIs, 5 walks, 22 RBIs (1st in MLB) and a .908 OPS. Michael Harris Jr. has amassed a .280 batting average, 4 home runs, 2 doubles, 5 walks, 11 RBIs, 2 stolen bases and a .797 OPS.

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals enter Wednesday’s matchup with a 11–13 overall record, including a 3–8 mark at home. Washington has won two of the team’s last three games played this season, including a 3-0 shutout victory over the San Francisco Giants last week.  

Washington will start right‑hander Zack Littell, who has gotten off to slow start to the 2026 regular season. In four starts made, Littell has compiled an 0–2 record, a 7.11 ERA, a 1.74 WHIP and 14 strikeouts, while allowing 27 hits and 6 walks in 19 innings pitched.

Shifting our focus to the Washington offense, the Nationals have amassed a formidable lineup featuring shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood. Abrams will enter this contest with a .296 batting average (16th in MLB), 6 home runs (15th in MLB), 19 RBIs and a .976 OPS which ranks fifh in Major League Baseball. James Wood has tallied a .242 batting average, 8 home runs (8th in MLB) and a .948 OPS.

Why the Atlanta Braves will win.

• Starting pitching advantage. In four starts made this season, Martin Perez has amassed a 1–1 win-loss record, a 2.21 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts, while allowing just 13 hits and 6 walks in 20.1 innings pitched.

• Elite run production. In 24 games played this season, the Atlanta Braves have compiled 135 runs scored which ranks second in Major League Baseball.

• Ability to win on the road. The Atlanta Braves have compiled an 8-4 record on the road.  

• Current form. The Braves have won six of the team’s last seven games played this season.

Why the Washington Nationals will win.

• Quality offense. CJ Abrams and James Wood provide the Nationals with a sold offensive core.  

• Recent form. The Nationals have won two of the team’s last three games played this season.

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Prediction

In my view, this matchup clearly favors the Atlanta Braves. Why? Atlanta starting pitcher Martin Perez enters tomorrow’s contest with a robust 2.21 ERA and 0.93 WHIP, giving Atlanta a clear pitching edge over the Nationals Zack Littell, who carries an abysmal 7.11 ERA and seven home runs allowed in 19 innings pitched. With the Braves owning one of MLB’s top offenses and winning six of the team’s last seven games, I am backing the Atlanta Braves on the moneyline in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Atlanta Braves ML