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Braves vs Marlins MLB Predictions September 15

· Sep 15 - 4 minutes read

After clinching the National League East, the Atlanta Braves start a series against the Miami Marlins, trying to secure the #1 seed in the playoffs. We will take a look at the MLB best bets for Braves vs Marlins opening game on September 15.

The Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the last series, officially clinching the division. The Marlins’ chances of making the playoffs took a hit in the previous series, losing three of four against the Milwaukee Brewers, now a half-game back from the final Wild Card spot.

Braves vs Marlins MLB Predictions September 15

Starting Pitchers

Bryce Elder (12-4, 3.38 ERA) vs Johnny Cueto (1-4, 6.15)

The Braves’ pitching is one of the many reasons the team has clinched their division, closing in on the #1 seed in the NL. Bryce Elder has undoubtedly been a part of that. While he has struggled in the summer months, with a 5.96 ERA in July and 4.88 through August, Elder seems to be rounding back into form.

Elder has allowed three runs over 13 innings in two starts through September and looked excellent in his last outing, pitching seven innings, allowing two runs, a homer, and striking out nine.

On the other hand, after signing with the Marlins in the offseason, Johnny Cueto has spent most of the season on the Injured List, and when he’s been healthy, it hasn’t looked great. Cueto returned from an illness two starts ago and was okay, allowing three runs in five innings. But in his last appearance, Cueto allowed five runs in 3.2 innings.

Something else worth noting for MLB betting online is that Cueto has allowed at least one homer in all but two of his nine appearances.

Braves Celebrate Great Run

With the Braves securing their sixth straight NL East division title, they have become one of the most consistently successful teams in the league. The team also boasts the MLB record for most division titles since 1991, 21.

Teams with the most division titles since 1991:

Braves: 21
Yankees: 15
Dodgers: 13

H/T @SlangsOnSports https://t.co/72mBKfynLo

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) September 14, 2023

The focus is now to secure the #1 seed in the NL for the playoffs, with the Braves having eight more wins than the Los Angeles Dodgers. Given how the Braves have been throughout this season, they will not easily let go of the top spot.

That will start in this first game after clinching the division, facing Cueto, a perfect matchup for Atlanta. They lead the league in home runs this season and have hit the most in the last seven days, with 12. MVP candidates Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson are great picks in MLB betting to take Cueto deep, having hit five each over the last eight games.

Best MLB Player Prop: Player to Hit A Home Run, Matt Olson +265

Marlins in Question

This is a tough matchup for the Marlins. Cueto, a pitcher who has struggled with giving up home runs this season, will be facing one of the best lineups in the league that happens to hit a lot of homers. Furthermore, the top two players in Atlanta’s lineup are hot.

The recent history of this series also does not favor Miami. The Braves have beaten the Marlins in six straight, with Miami 1-9 on the season against Atlanta.

Given the Marlins’ current position in the Wild Card, this series could be detrimental to their hopes of making the playoffs.

Braves vs Marlins Best Bet

Everything points to the Braves winning, but will they be able to score enough to cover the MLB spread? They should be able to by getting to Cueto early and hitting home runs while he is pitching. On top of that, Elder will be able to keep the Marlins lineup in check, leading to a big win for the Braves.

MLB Best Bet: Atlanta Braves -1½ (-115)