Chicago Cubs vs Washington Nationals Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 13, 2026

The Chicago Cubs visit the Washington Nationals on Thursday at 4:05 PM ET at Nationals Park. Chicago is 70-50, second in the NL Central and four games behind Milwaukee. The Cubs beat Washington 8-6 Tuesday and have won four of their last five, including two straight. Washington is 59-62, fourth in the NL East and 13.5 games behind Atlanta. The Nationals lost Tuesday but have won three of their last five. Chicago leads the series 1-0 entering Wednesday’s game. Cash in a big winner with our free MLB picks.

Chicago Cubs Continue Strong Recent Run

Chicago ranks eighth in MLB with a .250 batting average and has scored 622 runs with 151 home runs. The Cubs also carry a .339 on-base percentage and .418 slugging percentage. Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the offense with a .285 average, 27 home runs, 72 RBIs, 129 hits and 30 stolen bases. Seiya Suzuki is batting .271 with 20 homers and 68 RBIs, while Ian Happ also has 20 home runs. Chicago has scored 30 runs across its last five games, winning four of those contests.

The Cubs rank 12th in MLB pitching with a 4.05 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Opponents are batting .244 against Chicago, while the staff has recorded 911 strikeouts, 26 saves and 37 quality starts. Chicago has allowed 20 runs across its last five games, with 12 coming in the two contests in which the Cubs surrendered at least six. Kevin Gausman takes the mound Thursday with a 4.29 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. Chicago is 35-26 on the road and 27-22 in day games.

Injuries: Daniel Palencia (15-Day IL), Hoby Milner (15-Day IL), Gavin Hollowell (15-Day IL), Edward Cabrera (15-Day IL), Matt Shaw (10-Day IL).

Washington Nationals Look to Answer at Home

Washington ranks sixth in MLB with a .251 batting average and has scored 643 runs with 171 home runs. The Nationals own a .328 on-base percentage and .439 slugging percentage. CJ Abrams leads Washington with a .286 average, 29 home runs, 91 RBIs and 127 hits. Daylen Lile has 15 homers and 61 RBIs, while Jacob Young is batting .245 with 13 stolen bases. Washington has scored 29 runs over its last five games, reaching at least five runs in four contests. James Wood remains on the 10-Day IL.

Pitching has been Washington’s main weakness. The Nationals rank 27th in MLB with a 4.71 ERA and 1.39 WHIP while opponents are batting .259. Washington has allowed 165 home runs and recorded 904 strikeouts with 33 saves and only 27 quality starts. The Nationals had allowed just six combined runs during a three-game winning streak before Chicago scored eight Tuesday. Cade Cavalli starts Thursday with a 3.57 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, giving Washington a starter whose numbers are considerably better than the club’s overall pitching marks.

Injuries: Drew Millas (10-Day IL), James Wood (10-Day IL), Richard Lovelady (60-Day IL), DJ Herz (60-Day IL), Josiah Gray (60-Day IL).

Pitching Matchup

Chicago Cubs – Kevin Gausman

Gausman is 6-10 with a 4.29 ERA and 1.26 WHIP through 134.1 innings. The right-hander has allowed 132 hits, 37 walks and 16 home runs while striking out 131. Washington’s power presents a difficult assignment, especially with Abrams producing 29 home runs.

Washington Nationals – Cade Cavalli

Cavalli is 9-5 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 128.2 innings. He has allowed 128 hits, 39 walks and 15 homers while recording 141 strikeouts. Cavalli owns the ERA advantage, but Chicago’s .339 team on-base percentage could make him work throughout the afternoon.

Chicago Cubs vs Washington Nationals Game Pick

• Chicago Cubs

Chicago is the game pick behind its stronger recent form and substantial advantage in overall pitching. The Cubs have won four of their last five while scoring 30 runs, and their 35-26 road record shows they have traveled well. Cavalli owns better starting numbers than Gausman, but Washington ranks 27th in MLB with a 4.71 team ERA and 1.39 WHIP. Chicago also won Tuesday’s opener 8-6. With Washington missing Wood, the Cubs have the better overall opportunity to win Thursday afternoon.

Chicago Cubs vs Washington Nationals Over/Under Pick

• Over

The over is the preferred total pick because both offenses have produced consistently over the last five games. Chicago has scored 30 runs during that stretch, while Washington has scored 29 and reached five runs in four of those contests. The Nationals also carry a .439 slugging percentage with 171 home runs, while Chicago has 151 homers. Washington’s 4.71 team ERA creates additional scoring opportunities for the Cubs. With Gausman carrying a 4.29 ERA, both lineups have plenty of punch to cash the total over.