Picks, Prediction for Braves vs Diamondbacks on Friday, June 2
Different Last Series
The Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks will begin a three-game series on Friday. They have been two of the top teams in baseball so far, with MLB odds siding with the Braves.
Despite the Braves potentially having a more talented team, they have not shown it recently. On the other hand, Arizona has played well, possibly sifting MLB lines.
Braves Lose Surprising Series
Most MLB picks had Atlanta dominating its last series, facing the Oakland Athletics, the worst team in baseball. Instead, the Athletics won against a team with one of the best rosters in the league.
Atlanta losing that series shocked MLB news, only scoring seven runs in the three games. This is three straight series without a win for the Braves, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers and tying with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Diamondbacks Strong Stretch
The Diamondbacks have been playing well recently, winning five of their last six series and coming off a four-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies. It is a big reason they are still hanging around the top of the National League West division with the Dodgers.
Pitching has played a crucial role in Arizona’s success, having a 2.33 ERA over the last seven days, the second lowest in that span. The pitching staff has played a big part this season, changing how MLB betting sees the Diamondbacks, which are starting to take them seriously.
Starting Pitchers
Charlie Morton (5-5, 3.59 ERA) vs Merrill Kelly (6-3, 2.83)
While the Braves will have a solid pitcher on the mound, the Diamondbacks will have the advantage. Charlie Morton would look solid through May for Atlanta, with a 4.45 ERA, only giving up 14 runs and three homers in five starts. However, in 28.1 innings, he also gave up 32 hits with 12 walks. He did have a good outing in his last start, going 5.1 innings, allowing two runs with nine strikeouts.
Merrill Kelly was dominant pic.twitter.com/vaN6BscGpm
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 28, 2023
The Diamondbacks will be starting Merrill Kelly, who has looked really good. His last start was great, going 6.1 innings, allowing one run, and striking out 10. It was Kelly’s second 10-strikeout game of the month. On top of his 2.59 ERA through May, he did not allow more than four hits over his five starts.
Braves vs Diamondbacks Head-to-Head
The Braves won the season series in 2022, winning the last four games of six. In each of Atlanta’s wins, its pitching would dominate, hitting the under.
Braves vs Diamondbacks Game Information
- Game: Braves (33-23) vs Diamondbacks (34-23)
- Location: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
- Day/Time: Friday, June 2, 9:40 p.m. EST
- Braves vs Diamondbacks Live stream: MLB.tv
Braves vs Diamondbacks Betting Lines
Over/Under Pick
Two pretty good pitchers are taking the mound, facing lineups that have not been the best. The Braves have struggled recently, leading to this slump, while the Diamondbacks do not rely on their offense to win games. This could lead to a low-scoring game for MLB picks and parlays.
Pick: Under 9½ (-115)
Moneyline Pick
The Diamondbacks have the starting pitching advantage. On top of that, Arizona has been one the hottest teams recently, while Atlanta has struggled. Along with being at home, this should be enough to put the Diamondbacks on top for this game.
Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks (+110)
Spread Pick
With the Diamondbacks playing so well, getting the four-game sweep in the last series, that play should carry over. Even if they can’t win this game, there is a good chance the Diamondbacks keep it close.
Pick: Diamondbacks +1½ (-145)
