Braves vs. Nationals Odds
| Braves Odds | -270 |
| Nationals Odds | +220 |
| Over/Under | N/A |
| Time | 1:35 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB.TV |
| Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. | |
The Atlanta Braves will attempt to complete a four game sweep of the Washington Nationals before the MLB season heads to the All-Star break.
The Braves have covered the spread in two of the three games so far this series and with Spencer Strider on the hill, they may be in line to cover again on Sunday afternoon.
Wanting to get Josiah Gray, who would be Sunday's starter, additional rest before the break, the Washington Nationals will be foregoing a traditional starter and going with a bullpen game to finish out the unofficial halfway point of the season.
Atlanta Braves: Strider Has Been Lights Out
Much like last season, the summer months are seeing the best of the Atlanta Braves. The Braves have been on a tear for the better part of two months and look to head into the All-Star break with a win.
Spencer Strider has been absolutely electric in his MLB debut. As impressive as Strider has been this season, it's even more impressive that he's done his best work on the road.
Strider enters Sunday's game with a 2.01 ERA, a 2.31 FIP and a 2.48 xFIP on the road this season and he has been dominant over his past four starts.
Washington Nationals: Can Bullpen Keep Braves in Check?
Speaking of dominant, the Nationals' have been the opposite of that this season. Turning Sunday's game into a bullpen effort makes sense as their young ace, Josiah Gray, will be able to rest up for the second half. However, the Nats' bullpen has really struggled lately.
Over the past two weeks they've actually been performing better than usual, but overall the Nats' bullpen has both the worst FIP and ERA as a staff. They will be taking on an offense that has a 122 team wRC+ on the road over the past two weeks and has been one of the best road offenses this season.
The Nats' offense has been slightly below average against right-handers at home over the past couple of weeks, but they are a bottom third unit this season. With the potential to rest their stars heading into the break, the Nats may be rolling a very thin line up out for Sunday's finale.
Braves-Nationals Pick
Considering the success of Spencer Strider's first half and the Braves' excellent bullpen, this looks like an easy win for the Braves on paper. Of course, it's hard to say who may be resting for the Braves, but frankly the Braves' bench would probably fare well against the Nationals' bullpen.
The Braves' runline is the best play here. Even if the Braves' rest their starters, -1.5 or -2.5 would be the only real opportunity for decent value. Play the Braves runline at -125 or better.
Pick: Braves Runline
