World Series contenders will meet up this evening in Atlanta. The Dodgers (80-51) are, well, the Dodgers a.k.a. two-time defending champions. Los Angeles is the barometer that all other big league clubs measure themselves against. That gives this week’s three-game series added importance for the Braves (76-55). Can the NL East leaders make a statement on Tuesday night?
The Dodgers are favorites (-148) over the Braves; the over/under is set at 8.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Tuesday’s showdown between Los Angeles and Atlanta on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Dodgers vs. Braves pick, best bet today
- Dodgers -1.5 (+110): Glasnow, even on a pitch limit, isn’t someone I’m willing to bet against tonight. It’s a different story for Elder, who has out-performed lackluster advanced metrics. A Dodgers lineup that hits right-handed pitching and performs well on the road makes the favorites difficult to fade on Tuesday.
Dodgers vs. Braves prediction, preview
Tyler Glasnow, when healthy, possesses some of the best stuff in baseball. Through 39.2 innings pitched (seven starts), the right-hander has notched a 2.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 49 strikeouts (11.1 K/9). This will be the veteran’s first appearance since early May, sidelined due to a back injury. Don’t be shocked if manager Dave Roberts keeps the 32-year-old on a strict pitch limit. With that being said, even a handful of innings should give Los Angeles a boost tonight. During his (brief) 2026 sample size, Glasnow has delivered a 2.61 xERA, .180 xBA and a whopping 33.1% strikeout rate. It helps that LA can turn to an above-average bullpen if things get hairy.
In this matchup between heavyweights, the Braves will be sending plenty of firepower to the plate. They’re eighth in runs scored (614) and seventh in home runs (168). In addition, Atlanta is racking up the league’s fifth-most runs per game at home (5.00). However, this offense is far from infallible. They’re only 13th in the league with a .727 OPS against right-handed pitching. That’s not bad per se, but far from elite. Glasnow’s most used pitch is the curveball, which he’s thrown 30% of the time. Against that offering, Braves batters have a mediocre .271 expected on-base percentage. Los Angeles’ hurler has held Atlanta to two earned runs or less in each of his previous four meetings with the club.
Atlanta will hand the ball to Bryce Elder tonight, making his 25th start. Despite a stellar first half, the 27-year-old has hit a speed bump in recent weeks. Over 137.2 innings, he’s accounted for a 3.92 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 113 strikeouts (7.4 K/9). If anything, those numbers over-inflate his quality on the mound. Elder ranks below the 25th percentile in fastball velocity (91.7 MPH), average exit velocity (90.2 MPH), chase rate (27.8%) and whiff rate (21.6%). The former All-Star gives up his share of homers (1.4 HR/9) while putting the occasional runner on base (3.0 BB/9).
Navigating this star-studded lineup is a difficult task for any starter. Elder hasn’t had the most success in this spot, delivering a 4.20 ERA during six career meetings with Los Angeles. The Dodgers come into this one without several notable hitters, including Andy Pages (hand) and Will Smith (neck). However, you can’t argue with the team’s success. They rank first in runs per game on the road (5.65) and OPS vs. right-handed pitching (.768). Elder’s knack for handing out walks could backfire tonight. The Dodgers are averaging 3.70 base on balls per game, fourth-most in baseball.
Best Bet: Dodgers -1.5 (+110)
Los Angeles, despite some hiccups in August, still comes into this one as the odds-on World Series favorite. Glasnow has had success against Atlanta, and he’s supported by a decent bullpen. Los Angeles’ ability to hit right-handers could make things tough for Elder as well. Expect the favorites to earn a comfortable win this evening on the road.
More MLB Content & Betting Picks
- MLB Best Bets Today: Top NRFI props for Tuesday 8/25/26
- Best MLB Parlays Today: Top Picks for Tuesday, August 25
- MLB Best Bets: Top home run props for Tuesday 8/25/26
Tail all of today’s MLB action in the DKN Betting Group here.
