The series opener between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago White Sox on April 24, 2026, features a fascinating meeting of two starters desperately seeking their first win of the season. At Guaranteed Rate Field, veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas takes the mound for Washington against a familiar face for the Nationals organization, Erick Fedde. This interleague clash is a battle of “adjustment” as both pitchers look to navigate volatile early-season form.
The Pitching Breakdown
Miles Mikolas (WSH): Mikolas has endured a nightmare start to his 2026 campaign. Carrying an unsightly 9.15 ERA and a 1.98 WHIP through 19.2 innings, the 37-year-old has struggled to limit hard contact. However, there is a glimmer of hope; his most recent outing against the Giants was a significant step forward. Working as a primary pitcher after an opener, Mikolas threw four scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and striking out four. For Mikolas, success depends on his pinpoint command returning to its career norm. If he can avoid the heart of the plate against an aggressive White Sox lineup, his “sinker-ball” profile is designed to induce the ground balls that have been missing this month.
Erick Fedde (CHW): Erick Fedde returns to face the franchise that drafted him, looking to build on a solid start to the year. Despite an 0-3 record, Fedde’s 3.92 ERA and 1.11 WHIP suggest he has pitched much better than his win-loss total indicates. Through 20.2 innings, he has showcased the improved cutter and sweeper that transformed his career in the KBO and during his initial stint with the White Sox in 2024. He has limited hitters to a .216 average this season and has a history of dominating former teammates—including a complete-game shutout against Washington in 2025.+1
Best Bets for April 24
1. Chicago White Sox Moneyline (-130) The White Sox hold the clear situational advantage in this matchup. Erick Fedde has been the significantly more efficient pitcher in 2026, and his familiar knowledge of the Nationals’ core hitters (like CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz) gives him a tactical edge. Washington’s offense has struggled for consistency on the road, and with Mikolas still searching for his rhythm, backing the home favorite is the “sharp” play.
2. Over 9.0 Total Runs (-110) While Fedde has been steady, the “over” is enticing given Mikolas’s vulnerability this season. Mikolas has surrendered 10 walks and 15 earned runs in limited work, and the White Sox lineup has the power to exploit his current lack of velocity. Furthermore, both bullpens have been heavily taxed in the early going, increasing the likelihood of late-inning insurance runs. A 6-4 or 7-3 final score is well within reach.
3. Erick Fedde Over 4.5 Strikeouts (+115) Fedde has been a reliable source of punchouts this season, averaging nearly one per inning. The Nationals’ young lineup remains prone to chasing high-ride fastballs and sweepers out of the zone. At plus-money, you are betting on Fedde’s familiarity with the Nationals’ scouting reports to lead to at least five strikeouts before he exits.
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