The strikeout-prone Los Angeles Dodgers (30-19) are in for a challenge at Truist Park on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves (29-18) and Spencer Strider, owner of this season’s best K/9 rate.
The Dodgers took Monday’s series opener 8-6. Evan Phillips got the win with one scoreless inning out of the bullpen, and Brusdar Graterol pitched 1.1 scoreless innings to earn his third save.
J.D. Martinez was 4 for 5 with two home runs and three runs in the win. Freddie Freeman went 3 for 5 with a home run and a double. He scored two runs and drove in three. Eddie Rosario went 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and three RBIs for the Braves. Marcell Ozuna added a double and one RBI.
ON THE MOUND
Bobby Miller is in line to start for Los Angeles, his season debut. For Atlanta, right-hander Strider (4-1, 2.96 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Dodgers. Strider made one start against the Dodgers in 2022, throwing six innings in a 5-3 home defeat on June 26.
He gave up five hits while striking out seven in the no-decision. In his last start on Wednesday, Strider took a no-decision on the road against the Rangers.
He threw five innings and gave up four runs on six hits, striking out seven and walking three in the 6-5 win. The right-hander leads the league in strikeouts (86).
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Los Angeles has averaged 6.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 5.5. Against right-handed pitchers like Strider this season, the Dodgers have a .789 OPS, second highest in the league.
Max Muncy has been the team’s biggest slugger against right-handers with a .584 SLG in 131 at-bats. Atlanta is averaging only 4.8 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 5.2 for the season.
The Braves have a .731 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .605 SLG over 137 at-bats, Matt Olson has been their best power hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Los Angeles is 13-12 in road games in 2023, scoring 5.2 runs per game while allowing 5.7 runs. Atlanta has gone 12-11 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 4.8. Atlanta is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Truist Park despite an average scoreline favoring Los Angeles (4.3-4.2).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Dodgers lead the NL West by one games over the Diamondbacks. The Braves lead the NL East by four games over the Mets.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves (-210)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
