Free MLB Picks Today: Atlanta Braves vs Miami Marlins 4/26/23

Bryce Elder, one of the early season’s stingiest pitchers, leads the way for the Atlanta Braves (16-8) as they match up against the Miami Marlins (12-12) at Truist Park on Wednesday.

The Braves lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-4 on Tuesday. Charlie Morton went seven innings, giving up one run on three hits and striking out nine, to get the win.

Ozzie Albies went 2 for 4 with two solo home runs in the win. Eddie Rosario added a home run and two runs. Yuli Gurriel was 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Marlins.

ON THE MOUND

Sandy Alcantara (1-2, 5.79 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Miami. The RHP allowed five runs (three earned) over six innings in his last start, a 5-0 home defeat against the Diamondbacks on April 16. He took the loss, yielding six hits while striking out nine.

Alcantara is making his first appearance against the Braves this season. Over three starts against the Braves in 2022, Alcantara was 2-1 with a 2.86 ERA over 22 innings.

He had 24 strikeouts and three walks. For Atlanta, righty Elder (2-0, 1.14 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Marlins. Elder made four appearances against the Marlins in 2022, all starts, striking out 25 and walking 12 over 22.2 innings (0-2, 2.78).

In his last start on Friday, Elder took a no-decision at home against the Astros. He threw six innings and gave up one run (0 ER) on five hits, striking out six and walking one in the 6-4 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Miami has averaged 3.4 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.2. Against righties like Elder this season, the Fish have a .663 OPS.

Luis Arraez is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a 1.174 OPS in 56 at-bats. Atlanta is averaging 5.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.2 for the season.

The Braves have a .741 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .450 OBP over 59 at-bats, Ronald Acuna Jr. has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Miami is on a three-game losing streak away from loanDepot park, bringing their record to 5-6 in 2023. The Fish have scored 3.9 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.9 runs.

Atlanta has gone 6-6 at home this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 5.0. In the last 10 games at Truist Park between the NL East rivals, Atlanta is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.9-3.2.