Getty Images. Pictured: The Nationals’ Patrick Corbin and the Braves’ Ian Anderson.
Nationals vs. Braves Odds
| Nationals Odds | +120 |
| Braves Odds | -143 |
| Over/Under | N/A |
| Time | 12:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB.TV |
| Odds as of Wednesday evening and via FOX Bet. | |
In the competitive NL East, the New York Mets are in first place and everyone else is behind in the dust. On Thursday afternoon in the last game of a four-game series, the second-place Atlanta Braves host the Washington Nationals.
Atlanta is heavily favored and why would it not be? The Braves may have a losing record, but they went into the season with the expectation that they would make the playoffs. The Braves have a strong lineup, and thus far unreliable starting pitching.
For Thursday’s game, it is a little bit different for the Braves as they are relying on one of their few reliable arms in starting pitcher Ian Anderson. Opposing him is Patrick Corbin for the Nationals.
The question for Thursday’s matinee is if the Braves deserve to be heavy favorites, or if there’s value on the struggling Nats as underdogs.
Washington Nationals
If the Nationals win, it will be because Corbin forgets what year it is. On the 2019 World Series champion Nationals, Corbin had a 14-7 record with a 3.25 ERA, and a 3.59 xFIP. It’s all been downhill for Corbin ever since.
In 2020, Corbin had a 2-7 record with a 4.66 ERA, and a 4.12 xFIP. This season Corbin has regressed further with a 3-4 record with a 6.23 ERA, and a 4.32 xFIP. While Corbin’s current xFIP is almost two runs lower than his ERA, he still has a negative WAR of -0.2.
Backing up Corbin is a Washington lineup that is averaging only 3.9 runs per game. The MLB average this season is 4.33 runs per game, so for the Nats to win games they must relying on their pitching.
There are signs that Corbin has been unlucky over the last two years, but Nationals bettors should tread lightly in Corbin’s starts for the time being.
Atlanta Braves
Unlike the Nationals, the Braves’ lineup is doing very well this season. Atlanta is averaging 4.88 runs per game, which is the eighth-best in the league. As the highest scoring team in the NL East, the Braves have a chance to make a divisional championship run with four full months remaining in the season.
The Braves are led by MVP favorite Ronald Acuña Jr. and reigning MVP Freddie Freeman. Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley are putting together strong seasons as well. My model likes the Braves’ likely lineup for Thursday’s game to score 4.56 runs in a typical ballgame.
Further helping the Braves’ cause is Anderson. On a starting rotation with several questionable arms, Anderson has done well this season. The former first-round draft pick is technically still a rookie after pitching only 32 1/3 innings last year. He went 3-2 record with a 1.95 ERA, and a 3.45 xFIP.
This season, Anderson has replicated his performance with a 4-2 record, 3.27 ERA, and a 3.34 xFIP. Additionally, Anderson is averaging almost 5 2/3 innings per start, which is important in a league where the average starter only goes about five innings.
Anderson’s stamina is important because the Braves’ bullpen has been a weak spot this season. Their xFIP of 4.38 is the eighth-worst in the league.
Nationals-Braves Pick
I am not typically a fan of betting on heavy favorites, but my model likes the Braves on Thursday. They have an edge in every facet of the game against the Nationals.
The Nationals are relying on an unreliable Corbin and the Braves are relying on solid starting pitcher in Anderson. The Nats’ lineup has been dreadful while Atlanta’s lineup is one of the best in the league.
I like the Braves at their opening line of -143, but I would not be surprised if the line moves. That is why I only recommend betting Atlanta up to -150.
Pick: Atlanta Braves Moneyline -143 (FOX Bet) would bet up to -150
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