Published Jun 2, 6:56pm ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 2, 6:56pm ET
Updated Jun 2, 6:56pm ET
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| Atlanta Braves | -149 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | +129 |
Cody Ponce is the fifth starter in a Blue Jays rotation that has lost Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, and Eric Lauer from its original construction. He is not the reason Toronto is in Atlanta; he is who Toronto has left after Gausman went in game one.
Ponce has made his starts. He has not been dominant. Against a Braves lineup that is 40-20 and producing runs at one of the better rates in the National League, the margin for error is tight.
Vladdy Guerrero Jr. and George Springer lead the Toronto offense and are capable of doing damage against anyone. The Blue Jays can score. Staying in games long enough for the offense to produce is the challenge.
José Suarez is Atlanta's fifth starter in a rotation missing Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz to injury. He entered the season as the depth option. He is getting stretched into a regular role by necessity.
Suarez has not been overwhelming at any point in his career. He gives Atlanta innings and avoids the big inning often enough to keep games manageable. Against a Toronto team with a legitimate offense, keeping the game close is his job.
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson give the Braves their most dangerous at-bats. The lineup has been winning games all month and does not need a dominant start to put runs on the board.
Two fifth starters on the same night evens out the pitching matchup. Atlanta is 40-20 at home in front of a lineup that has been the best in the National League this season. Toronto is 29-31 on the road with a rotation held together by duct tape.
When the starters are equal, the better team wins. Atlanta.
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Pick
Atlanta Braves -149
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