The Atlanta Braves (64-57) and Los Angeles Angels (52-69) open a 3-game set at Angel Stadium Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 9:38 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Braves vs. Angels odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Braves won 2-1 last year
The Braves are coming off a 3-1 series win at the San Francisco Giants. They wrapped up the series with a 6-0 loss as +103 underdogs Thursday with the Under (7) barely hitting. Atlanta is 2nd in the NL East, 7 games back of the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies, and 2 games ahead of the New York Mets for the final NL Wild Card spot.
The Angels were swept in 3 games by the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. They lost 9-2 as -110 favorites in the Wednesday finale as the Over (8.5) cashed. L.A. is 4th in the AL West and has less than a 0.1% chance to make the playoffs, according to FanGraphs.com.
Braves at Angels projected starters
RHP Spencer Schwellenbach vs. RHP José Soriano
Schwellenbach (4-5, 3.95 ERA) makes his 13th start. The rookie has a 1.06 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 9.8 K/9 in 70 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 7 K in 9-8 setback at Colorado Rockies Sunday
- 2024 road stats: 2-2, 3.79 ERA (35 2/3 IP, 15 ER), 1.04 WHIP, 8.6 K/9 in 6 starts
- Has never faced Angels
Soriano (6-7, 3.36 ERA) makes his 20th start and 22nd appearance. He has a 1.19 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 in 109 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K in 3-2 setback in 10 innings at Washington Nationals Aug. 9
- 2024 home stats: 2-4, 4.43 ERA (40 2/3 IP, 20 ER), 1.38 WHIP, 8.0 K/9 in 9 appearances (8 starts)
- Career vs. Braves: 0-0, 1 road relief appearance (July 31, 2023), 1 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 1 K in 4-1 victory
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Braves at Angels odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:21 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Braves -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Angels +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Braves -1.5 (+105) | Angels +1.5 (-130)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Braves at Angels picks and predictions
Prediction
Braves 4, Angels 3
Moneyline
The Braves are 8-4 in their last 12 road games and 4-2 in Schwellenbach’s last 6 starts. The Angels, on the other hand, have lost 3 straight home games and 5 of their last 6 overall.
Back Atlanta to rebound after Thursday’s 6-0 loss. BET BRAVES (-150).
Run line/Against the spread
The Braves -1.5 (+105) aren’t necessarily a bad bet. However, keep in mind that only 1 of the last 5 games on this road trip has resulted in a multi-run win for Atlanta. L.A. probably covers the +1.5 (-130), but backing a team that was outscored 19-5 in its most recent series seems too risky at this price.
PASS. Bet the ML and/or total instead.
Over/Under
The Braves are the best Under bet in MLB this season at 69-47-5 (59.5%), according to TeamRankings.com. Schwellenbach has allowed 2 or fewer ER in 4 of his last 6 starts, and Soriano has given up 3 or fewer ER in 6 straight.
BET UNDER 8 (+100).
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