The Atlanta Braves will be eager for the first pitch to start a quest to become the defending World Series champions. But this team won’t be 100 percent like the team that won the World Series in 2021. Freddie Freeman and Jorge Soler departed Atlanta to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. However, the Braves won’t be lacking in star power.
What to make of the Cincinnati Reds is hard to say. Since 2014, the Reds have only made the playoffs once and that was in the pandemic-shortened season of 2020. Last season, Cincinnati compiled a 83-79 record and placed third in the National League Central. The Reds’ division isn’t expected to be overly strong so competing for a playoff spot may be in the cards.
Here’s a look at some MLB betting options for the season opener between these two NL franchises.
Last games records
Both teams are 0-0, this is the season opener for both teams.
Matchup Information
Reds at Braves Betting Analysis
Cincinnati Betting Analysis
Cincinnati pitcher Tyler Mahle will be heading to the bump for the season opener. Mahle had a strong 2021 season, compiling a 13-6 record and finishing with a 3.75 ERA. He pitched 180 innings last season and made a National League-high 33 games.
The Reds did lose some pop in their lineup when Eugenio Suarez, who hit 31 home runs last season and moved on to the Seattle Mariners. Cincinnati does bring back plenty of pop with veteran Joey Votto, who his 36 home runs, and Nick Castellanos, who hit 34 homers. The Reds hit 222 home runs, which were the sixth-most in baseball, and .249 as a team last season.
Cincinnati ranked fourth in the MLB last season by piling up 295 doubles. The Reds have finished in third place in the division the previous two seasons. Cincinnati is hoping to record a third straight winning season for the first time since the Reds had four straight winning seasons from 1985-89.
Atlanta Betting Analysis
Atlanta is hoping to become the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the Yankees won three straight from 1998-2000. The Braves will start the season without Ronald Acunda Jr., who is injured. On opening day, Atlanta will send out Max Fried to make the start.
Fried had a tremendous 2021 season, racking up a 14-7 record. What stands out about Fried is his durability. While making 28 starts last season, Fried tossed two complete-game shutouts. He finished with a 3.04 ERA in 165.2 innings pitched.
Atlanta brings back plenty of pop from last year’s lineup. Third baseman Austin Riley hit .303 while belting 33 home runs and driving in 107 runs last season. Riley also drew 52 walks and had 33 doubles. Shortstop Dansby Swanson is also returning and he belted 27 home runs and drove in 88 runs.
Updates
Acuna was played on the 10-day IL for a knee injury on April 4. Catcher Manny Pina is day-to-day. The Reds have placed shortstop Jose Barrero on the 10-day IL, while they also placed shortstop Max Schrock on the 60-day IL.
Reds at Braves Betting Preview
MLB betting odds have Atlanta as -205 on the moneyline, while Cincinnati is +175. The over/under is eight runs.
Reds at Braves Betting Prediction
Atlanta will be missing some powerful pieces from last year’s World Series team. However, the Braves will not want to let down a home crowd that will want to celebrate the team’s first championship in over 20 years on opening night. While some may brush off Atlanta’s postseason success as a fluke because the Braves only won 88 games last season.
Cincinnati has a capable lineup and will be looking to make a statement against Atlanta. While the Reds have question marks in their lineup, but will be sending their best pitcher out. Fried will be able to keep the Reds off the board and help Atlanta start its title defense on the right foot.
MLB expert picks will pick Atlanta -205 on the moneyline.
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