Published May 19, 7:43pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated May 19, 7:43pm ET
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Updated May 19, 7:43pm ET
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| Miami Marlins | +164 |
| Atlanta Braves | -182 |
Injuries sabotaged the end of Chris Sale's time with the Red Sox. Boston dumped his salary on the Braves and they have benefited from a rejuvenated star. He won the NL Cy Young Award in his first season in 2024, had a 4.0 bWAR before getting hurt in 2025, and now has a 1.96 ERA in 9 starts this season.
Sale has thrown 55 innings and allowed 36 hits and 12 earned runs, walking 14 and striking out 64. He's an early favorite for this year's NL CYA at age 37.
The Braves are dealing with an injury to star catcher Drake Baldwin, out with an oblique injury. Ronald Acuña Jr. was just activated from a stint on the injured list with a hamstring strain.
Matt Olson has a .958 OPS. Michael Harris is at .818. Austin Riley continues to struggle with a .647 OPS.
For the Braves against Marlins starter Janson Junk, Acuña is 2 for 3 with 2 singles. Mauricio Dubon is 1 for 2 with a double. Olson is 1 for 2 with a single. Mike Yastrzemski is 0 for 5 with 2 K's.
Janson Junk has been reliable, though not spectacular, this season. However, against the Rays in his last start, he had his worst start of the season, allowing 7 earned runs and 10 hits in 5.2 innings.
For the season, he has a 4.14 ERA. In 50 innings, he's allowed 49 hits and 23 earned runs, walking 13 and striking out 37. Opponents have homered 6 times against him.
Miami's top prospect, catcher Joe Mack, is struggling since coming to the majors with a .205 average and a .512 OPS in 46 plate appearances.
Liam Hicks is batting .293 with 9 homers and an .857 OPS. Xavier Edwards has 6 homers and an OPS of .896. Otto Lopez is batting .346 with 4 homers and 8 stolen bases.
For the Marlins, only Leo Jimenez and Christopher Morel have faced Sale. Jimenez is 0 for 2 with a strikeout. Morel is 1 for 5 with a single and 1 strikeout.
The Braves look to win their third straight in this series in Miami. Given how well Sale has pitched and how perfect Junk needs to be to be effective, it is a strong advantage for the Braves. Atlanta will assuredly miss Baldwin, but they have Acuña back and hit enough to support their ace.
Atlanta will take this one over Miami behind their ace lefty.
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Pick
Atlanta Braves -182
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