Free MLB Picks Today: Oakland Athletics vs Atlanta Braves 5/30/23

Bryce Elder, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Atlanta Braves (32-22) as they match up against the Oakland Athletics (11-45) at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Tuesday.

The Athletics took Monday’s series opener 7-2. Lucas Erceg got the win with three scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Esteury Ruiz went 2 for 3 with one run and one RBI in the win. Matt Olson was 1 for 3 with a home run and two runs for the Braves.

ON THE MOUND

Elder (3-0, 2.01 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Atlanta. The right-hander leads the NL in ERA. Elder allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 4-3 road win over the Dodgers on Wednesday. He yielded seven hits while striking out six and walking one in the no-decision.

For Oakland, left-hander JP Sears (0-3, 4.70 ERA) gets the ball. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Braves. In his last start on Thursday, Sears took a no-decision on the road against the Mariners. He threw five innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out one, in the 3-2 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged 5.2 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against left-handed pitchers like Sears this season, the Braves have a .942 OPS, second highest in MLB. Ozzie Albies is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a 1.283 OPS in 62 at-bats.

Oakland is averaging only 3.0 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 3.5 for the season. The A’s have a .629 OPS against righties in 2023, lowest in MLB. With a .879 OPS over 122 at-bats, Ryan Noda has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Atlanta is 17-8 in road games in 2023, scoring 5.6 runs per game while allowing 3.2 runs. Oakland has gone 6-23 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum this season, averaging 3.3 runs per game while surrendering 6.6. In nine games between the teams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Atlanta is 7-2 with an average scoreline of 5.3-4.2.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Braves lead the NL East by four games over the Marlins. The Athletics are fifth in the AL West, 24 games behind the Rangers.

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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.