The kids will be on full display this weekend as the Washington Nationals play host to the geriatric Philadelphia Phillies on the MLB betting line. On the mound starting Friday will be fireball hurler Stephen Strasburg making his sixth start of the season while rookie phenomenon Bryce Harper sits behind the plate. Will the dynamic duo of first overall picks be enough to push the young Nats past the reigning National League East Division champions? So far it has, despite uncertainty on the World Series futures list. In fact, Washington currently sits atop the division while the Phillies find themselves desperate and uncomfortable in fourth. One of the major reasons behind Washington’s success has been Strasburg. Through his first six appearances of the year, the imperceptibly dominant right-hander has fastballed his way to a 1.12 ERA and a WHIP of 0.88. Can even Hunter Pence or Jimmy Rollins find a way to keep up with his 100+ MPH weapon? More than just an opportunity for Strasburg to shine, however, the weekend series will serve as an opportunity for young Harper to impress fans at the plate. Though limited in his production in his debut week, the expectations are through the roof for the burgeoning prospect. Is a power shift brewing in the NL East? We might find our answer as early as this weekend.
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