Braves vs. Phillies Prediction and Odds for Friday, September 23 (Value on Braves as Underdogs?)
By Peter Dewey
The Atlanta Braves’ quest for the NL East crown continues on Friday with a division matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies are hoping to hold off the Milwaukee Brewers in the wild card race, and they’ll have Aaron Nola (9-12, 3.38 ERA) on the mound in this one.
Jake Odorizzi (5-5, 4.04 ERA) is looking to build on a strong start against Philly his last time out, allowing just one run in 4.2 innings.
Let’s jump into the odds for this matchup from FanDuel:
Braves vs. Phillies Odds, Run Line and Total
Braves vs. Phillies Prediction and Pick
Could there be value on the Braves even though Nola has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season?
I think so.
As good as Nola has been (2.66 Fielding Independent Pitching), he has struggled against the Braves, allowing four or more runs in three of his four starts against them this season. Can you really blame him? Atlanta ranks third in runs scored and second in OPS this season, sporting one of the best offenses in all of baseball.
Even though Odorizzi has been shaky at times since being traded to the Braves, I think he can keep this game close, and the Braves have a major advantage in the bullpen (fifth in bullpen ERA versus 23rd in bullpen ERA).
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.