Both the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves have been surprising this season. After winning the NL East last year, the Braves have a 30-34 record and are 6.5 games behind the first place New York Mets. Unlike the Braves who won their division last year, the Red Sox finished in last place in the AL East with a 24-36 record. This season, Boston has a 41-27 record and are on track to win 98 games. Let’s check out their MLB odds.
Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves
Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 – 7:20 PM EDT at Turner Field
Probable Pitchers:
● Red Sox: Garrett Richards (4-4, 4.09 ERA)
● Braves: Ian Anderson (4-3, 3.26 ERA)
Stakes of the Matchup
Despite the difference in records, both teams are similarly built. Both the Red Sox and the Braves have strong lineups and weak starting pitchers. The Red Sox lineup averages 4.91 runs per game which is the seventh best in the league while the Braves average 4.78 runs per game which is the third best in the National League.
With the game being played in Atlanta, it will be an interleague matchup with pitchers hitting. The biggest question for the Red Sox will be about what they do with DH J.D Martinez. Martinez can play in the outfield, but outside of interleague games he is used as a designated hitter. In Tuesday’s game, Martinez played in the outfield. However, you should watch out for the announced lineup to see if Boston chooses to not start Martinez.
Unlike the Red Sox who have the advantage of relying on a designated hitter, the Braves play in the National League where pitchers hit yet have virtually the same level of run production. With a lineup containing OF Ronald Acuña Jr., 1B Freddie Freeman, and 2B Ozzie Albies, they could have a big day against Boston.
Pitching Matchup
For Wednesday night’s game, the Braves have an edge in starting pitching. Atlanta is relying on 23-year-old former first round draft pick Ian Anderson who is having a strong season. Opposing Anderson is journeyman Garrett Richards for the Red Sox.
Ian Anderson has only 18 career MLB starts. However, despite his lack of big-league experience, Anderson has shown himself to be a strong pitcher. Last year Anderson had a 1.95 ERA, and a 3.45 xFIP.
This season, Anderson’s ERA may be higher but his xFIP is virtually the same. Anderson has a 4-3 record with a 3.26 ERA, and a 3.43 xFIP. It appears reasonable to expect Anderson to pitch for five to six innings in today’s game and allow only two earned runs.
Opposing Anderson is Garrett Richards of the Red Sox, who has been consistently mediocre over the last two seasons. In 2020, Richards had a 2-2 record with a 4.03 ERA, and a 4.46 xFIP. This season, Richards has a 4-4 record with a 4.09 ERA, and a 4.43 xFIP. For Richards it is possible that the Braves lineup could easily take advantage of him in Wednesday’s game.
Prediction
The Atlanta Braves should win Wednesday’s game, and they have been set as heavy -153 favorites. Despite the cheap price, it is worth laying the chalk and betting on Atlanta to win.
Both teams are evenly matched, but with Ian Anderson, the Braves have an edge in starting pitching. At home with a strong lineup in an interleague game, they should beat Garrett Richards and the Boston Red Sox.
MLB Pick: Atlanta Braves Moneyline -153 with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
