Philadelphia (7-2) at Atlanta (1-8)
- When: Apr 8 2025, 7:15 PM
- Where: Truist Park, Atlanta
- Where to watch: NBCS-PH
MLB Betting Expert Preview & Picks: Phillies vs. Braves
Moneyline: Atlanta -115 | Total: 7.0
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies head into this showdown red-hot, winning seven of their first nine contests, including a series win over the Dodgers capped by a tight 8-7 victory. They’re backed by one of the strongest pitching starts in the league from Zack Wheeler (1-0, 1.38 ERA), who’s been lights out through 13 innings. With 18 strikeouts and just two walks, Wheeler looks every bit the part of a pitcher hungry to finally capture a Cy Young after narrowly missing last year.
Offensively, Edmundo Sosa has been a revelation, collecting multiple hits in all five starts. Kyle Schwarber continues to slug with a 1.037 OPS, and Nick Castellanos added a grand slam in Sunday’s win, showcasing Philly’s dangerous middle-of-the-lineup punch. Expect Wheeler to give Atlanta minimal room for error, and if the bats stay hot, the Phillies are live dogs with real bite.
Player Props to Watch:
Zack Wheeler Over 6.5 Strikeouts
Edmundo Sosa 2+ Total Bases
Kyle Schwarber Anytime Home Run
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is off to a surprisingly poor 1-8 start, a nightmare scenario for a team many pegged for a deep postseason run. Chris Sale (0-1, 5.40 ERA), last year’s NL Cy Young winner, hasn’t looked sharp in his first two starts, giving up three earned runs in each outing over just five innings. The strikeout-to-walk ratio (12:1) is strong, but he hasn’t translated that to quality outings yet.
The Braves are pressing early, and while there’s no panic yet, manager Brian Snitker knows urgency is mounting. Atlanta’s bats haven’t supported their staff, and unless they wake up quickly, Sale might be left out to dry again. With Wheeler dealing for the Phillies, the Braves face an uphill battle.
Player Props to Watch:
Chris Sale Under 17.5 Outs Recorded
Matt Olson Over 1.5 Total Bases
Michael Harris II to Record a Hit
Betting Prediction:
The Phillies have all the momentum, and Wheeler is pitching like a man on a mission. Sale hasn’t found his groove yet, and the Braves’ offense is sputtering. Philly’s lineup looks more balanced and confident right now.
Pick: Phillies -105
Score Prediction: Phillies 4, Braves 2
Total Bet: Under 7.0 (-120) – with two top-tier arms and early-season offense still settling in, this feels like a lower-scoring affair.
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
