This MLB season has not gone to plan for the Atlanta Braves. Or the Baltimore Orioles.
Both teams are more than ten games behind in their respective divisions. The playoffs are a distant thought as the trade deadline approaches. The next few weeks will be crucial to the direction of both these teams. It’s not hyperbole to say that every loss brings both teams closer to selling at the deadline.
The Braves are favored at -157 on the Moneyline on the DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at nine runs. Let’s go ahead and break down which side has the edge entering tonight’s matchup.
Orioles vs. Braves prediction, preview
This pitching matchup isn’t the biggest on paper. Grant Holmes and Trevor Rogers aren’t household names. But the two are quietly having very good years.
Holmes has been loudly good, not quietly, over his past five starts. He’s struck out 45 batters across 28.1 innings, and is holding a 2.22 ERA. But, for the Braves, it’s been for naught; they’ve won only one of those five starts. The Orioles have fared a bit better with Rogers on the bump; they’re 3-1 in his four starts after returning from injury. As he ramps up, a hot run of his could change the fortunes of this Baltimore team.
Neither team is perfect. However, the Orioles have been playing above .500 ball since they fired manager Brandon Hyde. That, along with Rogers’ strong return from injury, gives me confidence in the underdogs.
Orioles vs. Braves pick, best bet
Baltimore Orioles Moneyline (+129)
When you’ve got a mid-off on your hands, any edge for the underdog is worth noting. Baltimore’s increased sense of desperation with a new manager is one such edge. A pitcher finding a groove in his return to the rotation is another such edge.
Grant Holmes is excellent. But if this turns into a pitching battle, it could be a close-fought game. And if we’re headed for such a tight contest, I want the road dogs.
