Two National League division leaders begin a weekend series tonight as the Atlanta Braves visit the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Braves are tied for the best record in baseball at 26-12, while the Dodgers are at 23-14.
I’m backing Chris Sale and the visitors with my Braves vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks for Friday, May 8.
Who will win Braves vs Dodgers today: Braves moneyline (+108)
The Atlanta Braves and Chris Sale at plus money? That’s difficult to pass up.
Sale has been his typical dominant self with a 2.14 ERA, and Atlanta has come away victorious in six of his seven starts. His 114 Stuff+ ranks seventh among starters — well ahead of his pitching counterpart on Friday, Emmet Sheehan (169th among starters with a 93 Stuff+).
Sheehan’s velocity is down a full tick from last year, and he’s offered no mercy against an Atlanta lineup that has plated the most runs (213) in the MLB.
COVERS INTEL: Sale has dominated the Dodgers’ projected starting lineup, limiting them to a .535 OPS across 69 at-bats with a 21-5 strikeout-walk ratio.
Braves vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Under 8 (-110)
Two of the most effective bullpens in baseball, and one of the most lethal starting pitchers? Yeah, that’s enough for me to take the Under.
All of the top arms will be available for both teams after Thursday’s off day. Atlanta’s pen ranks third in bullpen SIERA (3.27), and the Los Angeles Dodgers are right behind (3.30).
While Sheehan’s 5.23 ERA is a worry, his 3.11 xFIP is more encouraging, and he’s turned things on lately with 18 Ks in his last two starts.
Sale, meanwhile, has held some of the Dodgers' best bats (Kyle Tucker, Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith) to a combined 2-for-21 at the dish.
- ML/RL bets: 11-9, +0.57 units
- Over/Under bets: 14-7, +6.64 units
Braves vs Dodgers odds
- Moneyline: Braves +102 | Dodgers -120
- Run line: Braves +1.5 | Dodgers -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8
Braves vs Dodgers trend
Atlanta is 6-1 in games where Chris Sale is the starting pitcher. Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Braves vs Dodgers and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Friday, May 8, 2026 |
| First pitch | 10:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | BravesVsn, SportsNet LA |
| Braves starting pitcher | Chris Sale (6-1, 2.14 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Emmet Sheehan (2-1, 5.23 ERA) |
Braves vs Dodgers latest injuries
Braves vs Dodgers weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
