The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies clash in a doubleheader on Thursday, May 29.
In the first contest, All-Star southpaw Cristopher Sanchez toes the rubber for Philadelphia, and my Braves vs Phillies predictions are betting on him to throw a gem.
Here are my best free MLB picks for this afternoon's Game 1.
Braves vs Phillies prediction
My Braves vs Phillies best bet: Cristopher Sanchez Under 5.5 hits allowed (-155 at bet365)
Philadelphia Phillies lefty Cristopher Sanchez made the All-Star game for the first time in 2024 and has been even sharper this year, pitching to a 3.17 ERA through 10 starts.
His expected ERA is just as good at 3.12 and he ranks in the Top 15th percentile in barrel and ground-ball rates. He has held opposing hitters to a batting average of .209 at home and he excelled at Citizens Bank Park last year where he posted an OBA of .222.
The Atlanta Braves got a boost with the recent return of Ronald Acuna Jr., but this is still a lineup that has struggled to hit lefties. While the Braves have an OPS of .727 against RHP that number plummets to .638 versus southpaws.
Likewise, while they have an impressive OPS of .738 at home, that drops to .676 on the road. With Sanchez allowing fewer than 5.5 hits in six of his last seven starts, back him to keep Atlanta's offense in check this afternoon.
Braves vs Phillies same-game parlay (SGP)
Cristopher Sanchez Under 5.5 hits allowed
Cristopher Sanchez Over 1.5 walks
Kyle Schwarber 2+ total bases
While Sanchez has been dealing, he does struggle with control. He has walked at least two batters in six of his last eight starts — while hitting the 3+ walk mark in four of those outings.
Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber is slugging .567 this year and his expected slugging percentage is even better at .624 — the third-best number in the majors.
Schwarber has been on fire this month and he'll have the platoon advantage against Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver, who is in the Bottom 10th percentile in xERA (5.60) and expected batting average (.301).
Braves vs Phillies odds
Braves vs Phillies live odds
Braves vs Phillies opening odds
- Moneyline: Atlanta +140 | Philadelphia -170
- Run line: Atlanta +1.5 (-150) | Philadelphia -1.5 (+125)
- Over/Under: Over 8 (+100) | Under 8 (-120)
Braves vs Phillies trend
The Braves have hit the Team Total Under in 16 of their last 24 games (+7.65 Units / 28% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Phillies.
How to watch Braves vs Phillies and game info
| Location | Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Thursday, 5-29-2025 |
| First pitch | 1:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSNSO, NBCSP |
| Braves starting pitcher | AJ Smith-Shawver (3-2, 3.67 ERA) |
| Phillies starting pitcher | Cristopher Sanchez (4-1, 3.17 ERA) |
Braves vs Phillies latest injuries
Braves vs Phillies weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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