In the final MLB game on Wednesday’s slate, the struggling Atlanta Braves visit the Athletics.
The pregame narrative: Atlanta is 2-10 in its past 12 games. The bats are cold, the rotation is depleted, and the vibes are on the floor. The Athletics won last night’s series opener, 10-1, thanks to some big-time power from Lawrence Butler.
Check out my Braves vs. Athletics predictions, featuring Austin Riley.
Braves vs. Athletics predictions
Parlay: Athletics +1.5 | Butler over 1.5 bases | Riley over 0.5 hits (+300)
Athletics +1.5 (-159): Atlanta starter Bryce Elder was an all-star two seasons ago. But much like the Braves as a team, his fortunes have taken a turn for the worse since then.
In 24 starts since the beginning of 2024, Elder has a 6.16 ERA and a .297/.359/.511 opponent slash line.
This season, the Braves are 5-9 in Elder’s outings, and 4-10 vs. a -1.5 run line.
Elder’s woes could be further amplified by how awful the Braves’ offence has been lately. Atlanta has scored one run or fewer in seven of its past 12 games.
The Athletics waxed the Braves in the opener, 10-1. Another outright win wouldn’t be surprising in the slightest, but I’ll take some cushion for this parlay.
MLB SGP legs
Butler over 1.5 total bases (-110): The time to back Butler is when he’s at home against a right-handed pitcher.
That’ll be the situation tonight, and hopefully the outfielder can build on some very strong splits:
- vs. RHPs: .805 OPS, 122 wRC+
- Home games: .862 OPS, 132 wRC+
For context, Butler has a 73 wRC+ against left-handers and a 95 wRC+ on the road.
Butler homered twice last night and is now 9-for-25 (.360) with a .720 SLG in his past seven games. This is not a guy Elder will be eager to see in the batter’s box.
Riley over 0.5 hits (-315): This super-juiced prop has an important role to play in this SGP, lengthening the odds from +170 to +300. To me, that’s worth tossing it in.
Riley is 12-for-37 (.324) in his past nine games, cashing this bet seven times.
The right-hitting third baseman has reverse splits this year, meaning he hits righties better than lefties. Riley has a .276/.331/.442 slash line vs. RHPs.
Athletics right-hander Mitch Spence has coughed up 25 hits in 19.2 innings over his past four starts.
Braves vs. Athletics predictions made at 2:40 p.m. ET on 07/09/2025.
Jordan enjoys writing data-driven game previews and analysis articles — especially for MLB markets or NFL/NBA props. And as a proud Ohio University grad, he’ll always have a soft spot for college sports (especially if the Bobcats are involved). Previous stops include mlb.com, Sportsnet and The Athletic.