Braves vs Dodgers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

JD Yonke - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
JD Yonke • Betting Analyst 7+ years betting experience
Updated: May 9, 2026 , 11:32 AM ET • 4 min read

Yonke's prediction: Snell outduels Strider.

MLB

May 09 • 9:10 PM ET
ATL
51 %
LAD
49 %
EXPERT PICK - MONEYLINE
LA Dodgers -170 LA Dodgers -170
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Los Angeles Dodgers MLB Blake Snell
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell.

Blake Snell returns to the big leagues as the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night.

Snell gives the Boys in Blue a boost, so I’m backing the home team with my Braves vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 9.

Who will win Braves vs Dodgers today: Dodgers moneyline (-170)

Both starting pitchers are in a similar situation in that they’re recently returning from a prolonged stay on the injured list, and they’ve both been among the league’s best arms when on top of their game. Only one has a favorable outlook, however.

Blake Snell nearly always pitches at an elite level when healthy, so he should be his usual dominant self in a pitch-count shortened appearance today.

There are major red flags with Spencer Strider, who allowed nine baserunners in 3 1/3 innings in his 2026 debut. His stuff wasn’t there (84 Stuff+), a worrying trend since he was last effective in 2023. 

Covers COVERS INTEL: In his 2026 debut, Strider’s average fastball velocity (94.6 mph) was down a tick from a year ago (95.4 mph), and several ticks from his peak (98.1 mph).

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Braves vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-115)

These are two potent offenses playing in weather ripe for hitting. It’ll be 78 degrees at the time of first pitch, with winds of eight mph blowing out to dead center.

The Atlanta Braves have scored more runs (214) than any team other than the Cubs, whereas the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the majors in wRC+ (124) against right-handed pitching

Nothing about Strider’s current status indicates he can hold down a star-studded Dodgers lineup. While Snell is an ace, he’ll be on a significant pitch count after tossing 55 pitches in his last rehab start. 

JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 11-10, -0.43 units
  • Over/Under bets: 15-7, +7.64 units

Braves vs Dodgers odds

  • Moneyline: Braves +146 | Dodgers -174
  • Run line: Braves +1.5 | Dodgers -1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5

Braves vs Dodgers trend

The Dodgers are 8-0 in their last eight home games against the Braves. 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 Saturday, May 9, 2026
First pitch 9:10 p.m. ET
TV BravesVision, SportsNet LA
Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider
(0-0, 8.10 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell
(2025: 5-4, 2.35 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.
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JD Yonke
Betting Analyst

JD is a diehard college football fan with five years of experience writing betting and fantasy content for publications such as SportsGrid, Fantasy Points, Fantrax, and Devy Watch. An avid reader, he uses his inclination to look at things with an exhausting and in-depth, analytic viewpoint combined with a love for statistics and metrics to form a well-rounded handicapping approach.

e's an integral member of the niche (but growing!) college fantasy football community, twice traveling to Canton, OH for the Fantasy Football Expo as a member of the CFF King's Classic drafting squad. His specialization in college football DFS and prop betting taught him that there are exploitable markets to be found and that narrowing your focus is integral to being a profitable bettor.

A lifelong Californian who grew up playing baseball, basketball, football, and lacrosse, he's glad to share a passionate love for sports with this wonderful community.

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