Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Prediction: How Will Jackson Rutledge Do In His MLB Debut?
The Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals play game three of their series. How will Jackson Rutledge do in his MLB debut? Baseball betting expert Krabs answers.
Krabs - September 13, 2023, 4:48 PM EDT
5 minPittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Prediction: How Will Jackson Rutledge Do In His MLB Debut?
Jackson Rutledge, the Washington Nationals’ 13th-ranked prospect and former first-round pick, will be making his MLB debut against the Pirates tonight. Besides Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals’ rookies have a horrid track record in their debuts. Will it be a similar story for Rutledge and the Nationals tonight?
Pirates vs. Nationals Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: September 13, 2023
- Game Time: 6:35 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Prediction
Rutledge was the Nats’ first selection in the 2019 MLB draft. He’s had an up-and-down journey through the minors, but it’s time for the 6’8” righty to give it a shot in the big leagues. The Nationals are giving Rutledge a shot because if they don’t, it will start to look concerning if the 2019 first-round pick hasn’t made his debut yet. I wouldn’t say he’s earned his debut, but the Nats need to see what this kid has, much like they did with Jake Irvin earlier this year.
I’m not expecting a gem in Rutledge’s first start. I think it will be similar to what we saw in Cade Cavalli’s debut last season.… a lot of great pitches and even more mistakes. The hard-throwing righty has gotten roughed up from time to time in the minors, and although the Pirates offense isn’t good, they are still pros.
The Pirates won’t be the only offense capitalizing on a young pitcher’s mistakes. Colin Selby will be the opener for Pittsburgh tonight. He’s given up multiple runs in three of his last four appearances, including four runs in 0.1 innings in Atlanta last weekend. Selby has also walked five batters in his last 2.2 innings of work. The Nats should score early and often against Selby and the Pirates’ bullpen.
Lane Thomas has struggled mightily against RHP in the second half of the season, but the odds on his props tonight indicate he’ll be breaking out of his slump tonight. Expect CJ Abrams and Lane Thomas to get the scoring started in the top of the first. This dynamic duo has been extremely productive at the top of the Nats lineup, and they’ll be the ones doing the damage in the first inning.
I wish I could say that Jackson Rutledge was going to shove tonight, but I have limited confidence in the right-hander making his debut on the road. Luckily for the Nats, their offense should be just fine. Bet Washington to score in the first inning and take the over in what should be one of the most entertaining games of the day.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals Picks
- WSH/PIT o9.5 +100 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
- WSH to score in the 1st inning +215 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
MLB Odds
