• The Diamondbacks and Nationals clash on Thursday
• Arizona is a -140 betting favorite over Washington
• Find the Diamondbacks vs Nationals odds and picks below

The Arizona Diamondbacks (36-25, 16-11 away) and the Washington Nationals (25-35, 12-20 home) wrap up a three-game set on Thursday afternoon in DC. The first pitch is set for 1:05 PM ET at Nationals Park.

This is actually an intriguing contest to watch purely for the pitching matchup. Merrill Kelly gets the ball for the D-Backs, while Josiah Gray, one of Washington’s only bright spots this year, counters for the hosts.

Diamondbacks vs Nationals Odds

The Diamondbacks have won three of the last four against the Nationals ahead of Wednesday’s matchup, which is why it’s not the least bit surprising to see them as a -140 favorite here. DC comes back at +120. The over has been hit in three straight meetings, too.

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Odds as of June 7th at DraftKings. Get a DraftKings promo code to bet on ARI vs WSH on Thursday. 

Arizona vs Washington Probable Pitchers

While Arizona’s offense is what’s mostly propelling them so far in 2023, Merrill Kelly is having a terrific campaign on the mound, forming a lethal one-two punch with Zac Gallen. The right-hander owns a 7-3 record and 2.80 ERA, striking out 77 in 70.2 innings.

Is Merrill Kelly the most underrated player in baseball right now?

Tonight: 7 IP, 2 ER, 8 K pic.twitter.com/O54HlsgISw

— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) June 3, 2023

Kelly isn’t one to overpower hitters, but he has solid command and a lights-out changeup. The veteran threw a gem last time out, holding a very good Braves lineup to two earned runs across seven frames to get the win. He has compiled a 3.79 career ERA against the Nats.

Kelly vs Gray Stats

Gray is having a good season for the lowly Nationals, posting a 3.09 ERA and a 4-5 record. While his 32 free passes in 67 innings don’t exactly look great, Gray has managed to limit the damage.

However, the right-hander is coming off potentially his worst start of the year, giving up four earned on six hits to the Philadelphia Phillies, including two home runs. His ERA does shoot up to over four at home as well. In one outing versus Arizona in 23′, he surrendered three runs in five innings of work.

ARI vs WSH – Last 10 Games

Diamondbacks Surprising Everyone

In the always competitive NL West, I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted that Arizona would not only be on the top of the division but also have one of the best MLB lineups around. The D-Backs are top-10 in numerous categories including runs, hits, average, and slugging.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. talks about what’s been working well for him this season and how much fun he’s having as the @Dbacks continue to win! 🍍🐍#MLBNOffBase | @yunitogurriel | @LasMayores | #ArizonaBorn pic.twitter.com/NdclH1VA5g

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 7, 2023

Corbin Carroll, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, Ketel Marte, and Christian Walker, among others, are all raking. While it’s difficult to believe Arizona can remain in first above the Dodgers and Padres, they’re surely making a case for it.

Another Tough Year for DC

Being just 10 games below .500 isn’t the worst-case scenario, but Washington is still in a pretty bad spot. They’re essentially in a rebuild and continue to struggle on both sides of the ball.

Prior to Wednesday, the Nats are just 4-6 in their last 10 outings and have lost three in a row. Unfortunately, things only get more difficult after Arizona leaves town as they visit the Braves and Astros, two of the best teams in baseball.

Diamondbacks vs Nationals Picks

The D-Backs’ lineup is hitting .286 off Gray and Kelly is reliable as can be this season. Take Arizona.

Pick: Diamondbacks moneyline (-140)

The post Diamondbacks vs Nationals Picks, Odds & Starting Pitchers (June 8) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.