The Atlanta Braves (95-58) and Washington Nationals (53-99) will prepare to square off in a three-game series.
This series is crucial for the Braves, who trail the New York Mets by a game and a half in the NL East. Atlanta can’t let the Nationals upset them. They need to come into Washington and take care of business.
Atlanta is 7-3 over the course of their past ten games. Washington is 4-6 during that same span. The Braves will be favored without question; however, can the Nationals play the role of spoiler?
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM EST on September 26th, 2022, at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the Braves vs. Nationals odds and picks.
Braves vs. Nationals Odds Breakdown
The Braves are the expected favorite, although not all of the odds have been released yet. Regardless, Atlanta is the superior team but can’t afford to take the Nats for granted.
Sure, Washington is in the midst of a terrible season. But their young players want to end the 2022 campaign on a high note.
The Nationals are going to give the Braves all they can handle despite this being one of those MLB matchups that leans in Atlanta’s favor.
Let’s take a closer look at the Braves vs. Nationals odds.
Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Betting Preview
Bryce Elder as Starter
The Nationals and Braves pick will ultimately be decided by who’s starting the game. For Atlanta, they are sending Bryce Elder (1-3, 3.38) to the mound. Meanwhile, Washington is rolling with Cory Abbott (0-3, 4.85) in this one.
Elder is the better option, but neither of these hurlers has much 2022 experience. Bryce Elder has appeared in all of eight games and has made seven starts for the Braves.
He’s worked 40 total innings and has posted a 3.38 ERA. He most recently pitched against these same Nationals in Atlanta and held them to one earned run over 5.2 innings pitched.
It would not be surprising to see a similar effort on Monday. Elder hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in any of his starts this season.
Cory Abbott as Starting Pitcher
Cory Abbott has pitched in 14 games for Washington, starting seven of those games. He most recently faced Atlanta and turned in a mediocre effort. Abbott lasted four innings on the mound and surrendered four runs.
He’s only worked more than five innings once this season. Abbott isn’t a trustworthy option against Atlanta. The National’s stats are already lackluster as is, so there isn’t much reason to expect anything different on Monday.
Braves vs. Nationals Picks and Predictions
From an MLB team stats perspective, the Braves are the clear favorites. But after reviewing the Braves vs. Nationals odds and overall MLB odds, should you place your money on Atlanta with your MLB picks today?
Bryce Elder isn’t exactly a lockdown starting pitcher. But he’s shown glimpses of stardom and should provide the team with a decent outing against Washington’s lackluster lineup.
Teams’ Batting Average
Meanwhile, it is difficult to envision Cory Abbott giving the Braves batting order much trouble. Atlanta’s offense is one of the best in the bigs, and they may be able to tee off.
The Braves rank seventh in team batting average, ninth in OBP, second in slugging percentage, third in runs scored, and second in home runs. It would not be surprising to see this game turn into a lop-sided affair in a hurry.
The Washington Nationals pitching ranks just 29th in team ERA, 28th in WHIP, 30th in home runs allowed, and 28th in batting average against.
They don’t offer much of a bullpen either, so the Braves should be able to continue scoring runs even after Abbott leaves.
Who to Bet On?
With all of this being said, the Braves are the clear choice in this game. Barring unforeseen circumstances, they should be able to win while covering the run line.
Expect a strong outing from Bryce Elder while the Braves lineup gives him no shortage of run support. Roll with the Atlanta Braves in this Monday night ball game.
MLB Pick: Braves -1.5 (-135)
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