Phillies vs. Braves Wednesday Pick
National League East rivals clash again Wednesday night in Atlanta when the Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:35 p.m. ET. Which team will win this rubber match when the divisional foes wrap up their weekday series?
Game Snapshot & Odds
909 Philadelphia Phillies (-105) at 910 Atlanta Braves (-115); 8.5 runs
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
7:35 p.m. ET, SunTrust Park
TV: CSP (PHI); FSSO (ATL)
Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook YouWager currently list the Braves as a -115 favorite. As of this writing, 60% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Braves to beat the Phillies on the money line. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Velasquez coming off back-to-back quality starts
Vince Velasquez limited the Rays to one run in 6 2/3 innings of work Friday but had to settle for a no-decision.
It was a strong and efficient night for Velasquez, who struck out seven while giving up just four hits and a walk. After a shaky season debut, he’s now allowed one run in back-to-back starts.
Of course, that shaky debut came against this same Braves team that he’ll face tonight. He struggled in the loss, allowing seven runs (four earned) on nine hits over 2 2/3 innings.
McCarthy set to make another start for Braves despite injury
Brandon McCarthy (shoulder) went through his normal between-starts workouts Friday.
McCarthy suffered a subluxation of his left (non-throwing) shoulder during Wednesday’s start, but all signs point to him being ready to take his next turn on Tuesday versus the Phillies. The veteran right-hander has posted a 3.31 ERA over his first three outings this season.
MLB Betting Trends
Philadelphia
The Phillies have lost seven of their last 11 games versus the Braves.
Atlanta
The under is 9-2-1 in the last 12 meetings between these two teams in Atlanta and is 10-3-1 in the last 14 meetings overall.
Prediction:
I think Velasquez is fool’s gold at the moment. He limited a weak-hitting Rays team to one run in his last start and took advantage of his team scoring 20 runs against a bad Marlins team in his previous outing. The one time he faced a decent offense? He got destroyed…by the Braves. McCarthy makes me nervous but I love the price on Atlanta tonight.
The Pick: Atlanta Braves -115