Sean's 10* MLB DIVISION GAME OF YEAR! 4 OF 5?
- Handicapper
- Sean Murphy
- League
- MLB
- Competition
- Atlanta Braves vs Philadelphia Phillies
- Release Date
- 04/17/2026 07:42 AM
- Event Date
- 04/17/2026 06:40 PM
- Bet Type
- Moneyline
- Pick
-
Atlanta Braves -112
(BetOnline)
- Outcome
- Win
- Analysis
- N.L. East Game of the Year. My selection is on Atlanta over Philadelphia at 6:40 pm et on Friday.
I realize that the presence of veteran left-hander Martin Perez on the mound for the Braves doesn't generate a ton of excitement for casual bettors, but I think he is well-positioned to turn in another solid outing on Friday in Philadelphia. The Braves might just be the best team in baseball right now. They're in the conversation at least. Meanwhile, the Phillies are off to a slow start. Note that Philadelphia ranks 27th in the majors in wOBA against left-handed pitching this season and 15th in xwOBA over the last seven days. The Braves meanwhile sit top-five in xwOBA over the same stretch. Atlanta will get an opportunity to tee off on Phillies starter Taijuan Walker on Friday. Walker did earn his first victory of the season last time out but through three starts he owns a 6.51 FIP and 1.91 WHIP. That's on the heels of back-to-back dreadful campaigns that saw him log a 6.94 FIP in 2024 and a 5.07 FIP last year. Current Braves hitters are 27-for-89 (.303) with a .892 OPS against Walker. For his part, Perez has posted a 4.07 FIP and 0.91 WHIP through 14 1/3 innings of work this season. Current Phillies hitters have had similar success against Perez that the Braves have had against Walker. I just can't ignore the poor form the Phillies bring to the table offensively right now. It's also worth noting that the Braves bullpen has posted a collective 3.19 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with six saves converted and none blown this season. While the Phillies have also been solid in that regard with five converted saves and only one blown, their relief corps has logged a 4.39 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. While it's all hands on deck for the Braves 'pen, the Phillies currently have a pair of relievers on the I.L. Take Atlanta (10*).
