Atlanta (84-71) at Miami (57-98)
- When: Sep 22 2024, 1:40 PM
- Where: loanDepot park, Miami
- Where to watch: MLB Network
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Atlanta Braves @ Miami Marlins
Moneyline
Atlanta Braves -188
Miami Marlins +155
Atlanta Braves @ Miami Marlins
Runline
Atlanta Braves -1.5 (-120)
Miami Marlins 1.5 (EVEN)
Atlanta Braves @ Miami Marlins
Total
Over 8.5 (-120)
Under 8.5 (EVEN)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Atlanta: Grant Holmes (2-1, 3.84)
Miami: Darren McCaughan (0-0, 7.64)
Team Stats
| Braves | Marlins | |
| 84-71 | Record | 57-98 |
| 42-38 | Away & Home | 27-48 |
| 5-5 | Last 10 | 3-7 |
| W1 | Streak | L1 |
Game Preview
Grant Holmes’ patience has finally paid off.
The Atlanta Braves right-hander is set to make the most significant start of his major league career this Sunday against the Miami Marlins in the series finale.
The Marlins will respond with right-hander Darren McCaughan on the mound.
Despite the Marlins (57-98) holding the worst record in the National League, the Braves (84-71) are just two games behind the New York Mets in the race for the final NL wild-card playoff spot. The teams have split the first two games of the series.
Holmes was originally the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first-round pick, selected 22nd overall in 2014, but spent the next decade in the minors. After being traded by the Dodgers and later released by the Oakland Athletics, he finally made his MLB debut for Atlanta on June 16 at the age of 28.
He has pitched five scoreless innings across his first three MLB appearances and enters Sunday’s game with a 2-1 record and a 3.84 ERA. However, Holmes has performed better in relief (3.27 ERA) than as a starter (4.56 ERA). The Braves have struggled with an 8-15 record when he pitches, losing five of his last six outings.
Holmes seems to be wearing down, as he has a 6.43 ERA in September, his toughest month, following a 4.63 ERA in August. He faced the Marlins once on August 3, resulting in a 4-3 loss for the Braves, where he allowed seven hits, one walk, and three runs over 4 2/3 innings without a decision.
On the other side, McCaughan, also 28, is a Long Beach State alum who made it to the majors quickly, debuting with Seattle in 2021. He holds a 0-0 record with a 7.64 ERA and has yet to be involved in a decision despite 14 MLB appearances, including five starts.
Miami is 4-3 when McCaughan pitches, and he has been part of the rotation since September 1. He has not faced the Braves yet and has never pitched more than five innings in a major league game. With a 6.75 ERA in his four September starts, the Marlins would be pleased if he can deliver five solid innings on Sunday.
To win the series finale, the Marlins must contend with an Atlanta lineup featuring DH Marcell Ozuna (38 homers, 101 RBIs) and first baseman Matt Olson (29 homers, 97 RBIs, and a team-high 37 doubles). However, the Braves are missing stars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley. Young talents like second baseman Ozzie Albies and center fielder Michael Harris II have returned after missing at least 50 games each.
"That’s a significant issue," Braves manager Brian Snitker said Saturday regarding the injuries. "The truth is we haven’t been the same offensive team, and we weren’t before the injuries, to be honest."
The Marlins’ top power hitters include first baseman Jake Burger (27 homers, 68 RBIs) and outfielder Jesus Sánchez (17 homers, 62 RBIs, and a team-high 24 doubles).
Marlins manager Skip Schumaker noted he prefers competing against playoff-contending teams like the Braves.
"The teams we’ve faced lately are fighting for a spot in the playoffs," Schumaker said Saturday. "It’s great because I don’t need to motivate our guys."
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Miami 5-4
The Pick: Miami +155 & Over 8½ (-120)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $467
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
