Giants vs. Nationals prediction: MLB player props, picks, best bets

Kyle Harrison will make his 2025 MLB debut as a starter on Saturday for the Giants against the Nationals in Washington, D.C., after Justin Verlander landed on the injured list.Although he didn’t earn a starting rotation spot out of camp, Harrison has flashed brilliance during his brief time in San Francisco’s bullpen, setting up what could be a good first outing in his new role.In four trips to the mound, Harrison has posted a 3.38 ERA over 5 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts.Most importantly, Harrison appears to have rediscovered his fastball velocity.

After averaging just 92.5 mph on the radar gun in 2024 — several ticks slower than where he was sitting as he came up through the Giants’ minor-league system — Harrison is up to 95.8 mph, touching as fast as 97 mph.Having not made a start since early May, oddsmakers aren’t expecting Harrison to pitch too deep into this game.But with how he’s pitching lately, and the underwhelming Nationals lineup he’ll take on, Harrison should quickly rack up the punch-outs.Washington has struggled against southpaws this season, hitting .234/.303/.350 with just nine home runs.

They’re also striking out 23.9 percent of the time against lefties, the 11th-highest rate in the majors.Bet Harrison to have a strong return to the rotation.The play: Kyle Harrison Over 5 Strikeouts (+125, BetMGM Sportsbook)Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports.

He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA....