Nationals vs Braves Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks & Predictions
Braves Look to Get Rolling Against Rebuilding Nationals
World Series Champs Split Opening Series
The defending World Series Champion Atlanta Braves are looking to improve their play after starting 2-2. After an up-and-down start against the rebuilding Cincinnati Reds, they look to retake the top of the NL East against the Washington Nationals.
Let’s check the latest MLB picks, stats, injury reports, and MLB odds for Nationals vs Braves. We’ve plenty of MLB predictions.
Nationals Looking to Bounce Back
The Washington Nationals struggled to get anything going offensively in their opening series against the New York Mets, but don’t expect that to change too much. Outside of Nelson Cruz, Juan Soto, and Josh Bell, the Nationals will struggle to put up runs with a lackluster lineup that could only muster eight runs over four games against the Mets.
Their pitching overall leaves a lot to be desired. With very few established names in both the rotation and bullpen, Washington gave up 19 runs over the four games with the Mets.
With little scoring and too many runs given up, that does not make for a great combination to win ball games. Look for that to continue.
Cruz, Soto, and Bell will continue to heat up as the core of the lineup each has one home run already.
Braves Seeking Consistency
A 2-2 start is hardly anything to be frustrated about if you are the Atlanta Braves. But with such a potent offense on paper, they need to start living up to their ability.
Corner infielders Matt Olson and Austin Riley have come out of spring training hot, but the supporting cast needs to step up their production a bit more. And let’s not forget that they are still missing Ronald Acuna Jr.’s bat in the middle of the lineup until later in April.
The Braves’ pitching staff also needs to find consistency. Starting pitching was shaky at best against the Reds in the opening series, as was the bullpen. Second-year starter Huascar Ynoa will make his first start of the MLB season.
The bullpen, especially closer Kenley Jansen, need to tighten up their performances to preserve leads.
Nationals vs Braves Head-to-Head
In 2021, the Atlanta Braves were a stellar 14-5 against their divisional foes. But they were only 6-5 at home against the Washington Nationals.
But with the Nationals depleted of talent throughout their roster and other major contributors being hurt, scores and odds will be more favorable for the Braves.
Even with the addition of Nelson Cruz to the lineup, the Nationals are a shadow of their former selves and appear to be headed towards a tough season with MLB lines not going in their favor very often.
Nationals vs Braves Game Information
- Game: Nationals (1-3) vs Braves (2-2)
- Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
- Day/Time: Monday, April 11th, 7:20 p.m. ET
- Nationals vs Braves Live stream: MLB.tv
Nationals vs Braves Betting Lines
Nationals vs Braves Prediction
Look for the Braves to control this game. While their offense has been inconsistent, a struggling Nationals pitching staff should allow for Atlanta’s offense to get rolling in this series.
Guys like Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson need to get going and be spark plugs for the big boppers like Olson and Riley.
Anibal Sanchez was scheduled to start for Washington, but he was placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday due to a neck issue. The Nationals recalled left-hander Josh Rogers from Triple-A Rochester to make the start.
Rogers appeared in six games (all starts) with the Nationals last season, posting a 2-2 record and 3.28 ERA. He was stretched out during spring training just for this type of issue.
This should prove to be a positive for the Braves, and their offense should be able to handle Rogers, who pitched part of the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.
When placing your sports bets, take the Braves to win the series opener.
