Tigers vs Braves Expert Picks & Predictions (Apr 30)

• The Atlanta Braves seek a series sweep of the Detroit Tigers on April 30
• The surging Braves have ripped off wins in 12 of their last 14 games
• Read below for the my Tigers vs Braves picks, predictions and latest odds

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The red-hot Atlanta Braves (22-9) bring out the brooms Thursday, looking for a sweep of the Detroit Tigers.

Atlanta is seeking its fifth-straight series win, and they’ve won all four of their interleague series so far on the year.

The books have taken notice, and have tagged them as -125 moneyline favorites in the MLB odds.

The clubs will take the field at Truist Park with first pitch scheduled for at 12:15pm ET, in a game that can be seen live on MLB TV.

Tigers vs Braves Odds

The graphic above shows the best available odds, which are subject to change

Atlanta enters Thursday as moderate -115 home favorites on the moneyline at BetMGM, reflective of their impressive record and clear statistical advantages.

Interestingly, despite being the moneyline underdog, the runline market sets Detroit at -1.5 (+168) at FanDuel, with the favored Braves catching +1.5 (-190) at bet365.

Over bettors should head to Caesars where the line is set to eight runs, paying at -120 odds, while Under bettors can find a slightly higher line of 8.5, paying out at -115 odds at bet365.

Tigers vs Braves Picks and Prediction

• Best Bet: Braves ML (-125 at BetMGM)

Atlanta will send righty Bryce Elder to the mound, and he’s been outstanding so far this season. He’s 3-1 through his first six starts, stifling opposing lineups to the tune of a 1.95 ERA (8th in MLB) and a brilliant 0.97 WHIP (18th).

The Tigers know his work well: last year in September, Elder was dominant on the road, holding Detroit to five hits and one earned run in seven innings of work while striking out six.

He’ll pitch opposite Framber Valdez, who is 2-1 through six starts with a 3.41 ERA and 1.31 WHIP.

Since getting blown up by the Twins, surrendering eight earned runs on 10 hits for his only loss on the year, Valdez has allowed a total of four earned runs over his last three starts, with Detroit winning two of them.

Tigers vs Braves Team Stats

He’s going to be tested in this one, as Atlanta’s lineup is mashing, boasting a .793 team OPS with 105 extra-base hits. They have scored at least five runs in nine of their last 14 outings.

The lefty has witnessed this up close as well: last year, as a member of the Astros, the Braves teed off on him in a September start, tagging him for six hits and five earned runs and chasing him after four innings. Valdez had just two strikeouts against four walks.

Valdez has battled command consistency this year, accumulating a 1.31 WHIP alongside a troubling 4.38 xFIP. Against an Atlanta lineup leading the league in slugging, his tendency to allow free passes could prove to be a massive vulnerability.

Atlanta holds a distinct advantage in virtually every major statistical category against Detroit.

The Braves plate 5.65 runs per game compared to Detroit’s 4.42. On the mound, Atlanta maintains a collective 3.05 ERA while limiting baserunners with a sparkling 1.12 WHIP. Detroit’s 1.33 team WHIP suggests they consistently allow traffic, translating directly to an elevated 4.02 team ERA.

Atlanta boasts an elite 73.9% win rate when playing as the betting favorite this season (17-6), and that trend should continue Thursday.