An NL East rubber match is set for Thursday, as the Braves will host the Phillies. It’s been a brutal start for Atlanta, having won two of its first 11 games. However, pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach has been a silver lining. Through two starts, the righty has yet to give up a run. Can he continue that scoreless streak against a loaded Philadelphia lineup?
Atlanta is favored in tonight’s contest (-124), with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. Ahead of Thursday’s matchup, here’s my favorite Spencer Schwellenbach player prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Spencer Schwellenbach U 1.5 walks allowed (-130)
If Schwellenbach has one standout skill as a pitcher, it’s his control. The 24-year-old has walked multiple batters just seven times over 23 career starts as a pro (60.9%). That includes his first two appearances of the 2025 season. In those outings, the hurler has surrendered three total hits and one walk over 14.0 innings.
Tossing another shutout against tonight’s opponent would be quite the feat. The Phillies roster several All-Star caliber hitters, including Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner. In 2024, they ranked fifth in runs scored per game (4.8) and fourth in hits per game (8.72). Philadelphia is patient at the plate as well, forcing the second-most walks in baseball this season (4.64).
While Schwellenbach hasn’t faced a lineup of this caliber thus far, he’s proven he can thrive in this matchup. Over three starts against Philly last season, the youngster recorded a 2.45 ERA. Most importantly, he walked a total of two batters while striking out 17 during that time.
It’s unrealistic to expect another shutout tonight from Atlanta’s budding ace. Still, his elite command is unlikely to fade any time soon. Given his previous success vs. Philadelphia, Schwellenbach is poised for another dominant showing on Thursday.
