Two of the most productive lineups in the league are set to face off at Truist Park on Monday as the Los Angeles Dodgers (29-19) are on the road to face the Atlanta Braves (29-17) for the first of a three-game series. The Dodgers are in the midst of a 10-game road trip.
They won only one out of four in their last series against the Cardinals, dropping the finale 10-5 on Sunday at Busch Stadium. Jason Heyward was 1 for 2 with a double and two runs.
The Braves are in the midst of a 10-game homestand. They won two of three against the Mariners in their last series, taking the finale 3-2 on Sunday at Truist Park.
Travis d’Arnaud went 2 for 4 with a solo home run. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. In 2022, the Dodgers won four of the six games between the teams, including two out of three in their most recent meeting at Truist Park in June.
ON THE MOUND
Gavin Stone (0-0, 9.00 ERA) is set to start for Los Angeles. The RHP allowed five runs (four earned) over four innings in his last start, a 10-6 road win over the Phillies on May 3. He gave up eight hits while striking out one and walking two in the no-decision.
For Atlanta, RHP Charlie Morton (5-3, 3.32 ERA) gets the start. Morton made one start against the Dodgers in 2022, throwing 5.1 innings in a 5-1 road defeat on April 20. He gave up six hits and walked three, while striking out four in the loss.
In his last start on May 15, Morton got the win on the road against the Rangers. He threw 6.2 scoreless innings and gave up seven hits, striking out 10 and walking one in the 12-0 victory. The RHP is tied for fourth in the NL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
The Los Angeles offense is averaging 5.4 runs per game for the season, fourth best in MLB, with a slash line of .233/.324/.449. Four Dodgers hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Freddie Freeman (.948). The first baseman is slashing .323/.394/.554 with eight home runs, 28 RBIs, and 39 runs over 48 games.
Against right-handed pitchers like Morton this season, the Dodgers have a .790 OPS, third highest in the league. Max Muncy is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a 1.020 OPS in 96 at-bats.Atlanta is slashing .258/.335/.463 for the season and averaging 5.2 runs per game, fifth best in MLB.
Four Braves hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Ronald Acuna Jr. (1.042). The right fielder has 11 home runs, 27 RBIs, and 44 runs scored with a slash line of .347/.434/.608.
The Braves have a .732 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a 1.038 OPS over 129 at-bats, Acuna Jr. also has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Los Angeles is 12-12 on the road in 2023, scoring 5.1 runs per game while allowing 5.7 runs. Atlanta has gone 12-10 at their home park this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 4.7. Atlanta is 7-3 in the last 10 games between the teams at Truist Park with an average scoreline of 4.1-3.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Dodgers lead the NL West by two games over the Diamondbacks. The Braves lead the NL East by four games over the Marlins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves (-155)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
