Braves vs. Diamondbacks Prediction and Odds for Monday, May 30 (Spencer Strider to Make Long-Awaited First Start)

The Arizona Diamondbacks will host the Atlanta Braves in Memorial Day action as the pair kicks off a three-game series at Chase Field tonight. After a brief period of relative success, the Diamondbacks fell back to earth after getting swept by the Dodgers in four games over the weekend. The Dodgers dismantled Arizona by a combined score of 26-8.

The Braves, meanwhile, continue their up and down campaign after going 2-2 against the Phillies and 2-1 against the Miami Marlins last week. Atlanta still sits in second place in the NL East, but has a long way to go to catch the Mets, who are 8.5 games ahead in first place. This is the first time these teams will meet this year. 

Here are the odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Braves vs. Diamondbacks Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

• Braves -1.5 (+135)
• Diamondbacks +1.5 (-165)

Moneyline:

• Braves -115
• Diamondbacks +105

Total:

• Total 8.5 (Over -115/Under -105)

Braves vs. Diamondbacks Prediction and Pick

While things did not go their way over the weekend, I have to say that the Diamondbacks remain more competitive than I expected they would be this year. Sure, they are in fourth in the NL West. But, the division is stacked and at 23-26, the Diamondbacks have a nearly identical record to the 23-25 Braves. Had things gone differently against LA, we could be looking at an Arizona team with a winning record. 

Zac Gallen looks to get back on track tonight for Arizona after getting crushed by the lowly Royals on Tuesday. Gallen stuck in the game for 5 ⅓ innings, but allowed six earned runs on seven hits. Not a good look for Gallen who was having a great season up until that point. I’m willing to overlook that start as a fluky implosion as Gallen entered that game with a 1.14 ERA in 49 ⅔ innings. 

Meanwhile, the Braves will send Spence Strider to make his first-ever MLB start after working out of the bullpen since getting the call in 2021. Strider has a career ERA of 2.36 in 26 ⅔ innings of work. So, not a ton to go off of, but his numbers in limited innings are impressive. In 2022, Strider has a 2.22 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 24 ⅓ innings of relief. Strider is a highly-touted prospect and the only concern I have here is how deep he can go into this game. He’s only worked more than two innings a couple of times and thrown more than 25 pitches once since the start of the month. 

I’m willing to bet that both pitchers put on a show tonight and keep this score low. The Diamondbacks have gone UNDER their projected runs total in three straight games and are 13-4-1 as home underdogs. On the Road, the Braves are a good UNDER bet at 10-9-1 and I think these trends continue on Monday night. 

Pick: UNDER 8.5 (-105)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE