Max Scherzer has struggled to say the least to start off his 2023 campaign, sporting a 5.56 ER through his first five starts.

He'll have an opportunity to get back on track on Sunday after when he and the Mets take on the Washington Nationals in an NL East battle.

Let's dive into the odds for the game and then I'll give you my best bet.

Mets vs. Nationals odds, run line, and total

Mets vs. Nationals prediction and pick

It might be finally the end of the road for Max Scherzer, who's approaching 39 years old and has been in the Majors since 2008.

We knew this day would come eventually, but it's been tough to watch in the early goings of 2023. Not only is his ERA sitting at an ugly mark of 5.56, but his FIP (Field Independent Pitching) is even worse at 6.30. Pair that with a WHIP of 1.412, and it's tough to justify a bet on the Mets when he's starting, especially as a big favorite.

Scherzer will face-off against Jake Irvin of the Nationals, who has impressed in his first two starts in the Majors, allowing only one earned run in 10.2 innings pitched.

It's also worth noting the Nationals have a slightly better OPS than the Mets this month, at .687 compared to .681.

Now is a good time to bet on the Nats as underdogs.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.