Two playoff hopefuls will look to break short losing streaks when the Milwaukee Brewers visit the Atlanta Braves to kick off a three-game series on Tuesday night.
The Brewers (62-49) lead the NL Central but are slight underdogs to the Braves (60-51) in the MLB odds, with both teams coming off two losses to weaker teams over the weekend.
I’ll take a look at what we can expect from newly-recalled Atlanta starter Bryce Elder tonight in my free Brewers vs. Braves predictions and MLB picks for August 6.
Brewers vs Braves prediction
My best bet
Brewers moneyline (+115 at Caesars)
My analysis
The Atlanta Braves initially planned to start Chris Sale in the opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, but an injury to Reynaldo Lopez caused Atlanta to juggle their rotation. They've recalled Bryce Elder yet again from their Triple-A club and have chosen to give Sale and Charlie Morton an extra day of rest.
That decision has changed the dynamic of tonight’s contest. While Elder was an All-Star last year, he has struggled mightily to find that form in 2024, with the 25-year-old posting a 5.67 ERA over nine starts in several stints with the major league club. Batters are taking advantage of Elder to the tune of a 1.543 WHIP, and he has allowed six homers in just 46 innings of work.
Just as concerning, Elder doesn’t seem to have figured things out during his time in the minors. He’s had 10 starts in Gwinnett, going 6-3 with a 4.14 ERA — numbers that are fine but hardly inspiring for someone who was so effective at the MLB level last year.
While the Braves have gone with an uncertain option on the mound tonight, the Brewers have no questions about their starter. Veteran Colin Rea is having a career year for Milwaukee in 2024, posting a 9-3 record with a 3.59 ERA. He’s finally doing a better job of keeping the ball in the park — long a weakness for Rea — and while his peripherals don’t look quite as good as his topline numbers, a 1.197 WHIP and a 4.45 FIP suggest his numbers are sustainable enough.
The Brewers have put up an impressive 15-6 record with Rea on the mound this year. He’s been tough to hit over the last month or so, going 3-1 with a 3.51 ERA in his last six appearances — numbers that would look even better if not for a disastrous outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 9. Rea threw well against Atlanta last week, allowing two runs over 5 1/3 innings of work in a Milwaukee win.
The Braves have a great chance to win the next two games of this series behind Sale and Morton, but they don’t deserve to be favorites tonight. I’m taking Milwaukee to win outright.
Brewers vs Braves same-game parlay (SGP)
Brewers moneyline
Under 9
Brice Turang to record a hit
I like the Brewers to win thanks to their superior starting pitching, but that doesn’t mean this game will be a shootout. That’s why my same-game parlay also includes a bet on the Under at the inflated total of 9. That’s a little too high given Atlanta’s offensive struggles, as the Braves haven’t gone above a total of 8 in any of their last six games, with the Under going 5-1 in that period.
I’ll also take Brice Turang to get a hit for the Brewers. Turang is batting a solid .262 in his sophomore season and has hit safely in four of his last five starts. I expect the lefty to find success against a vulnerable right-handed starter in Elder.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Brewers vs Braves odds
Brewers vs Braves live odds
Brewers vs Braves opening odds
- Run line: Milwaukee +1.5 | Atlanta -1.5
- Moneyline: Milwaukee +126 | Atlanta -136
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Brewers vs Braves spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Brewers have made backers nearly nine units on the moneyline this season, while the Braves are down 16 units in 2024.
- Milwaukee is 15-6 this season when Rea starts for them. Atlanta has gone 4-5 when Elder has been their starter.
- The Over has a 61-45 record in Brewers’ games this season. The Under holds the 66-40 advantage when the Braves have played in 2024.
- Atlanta is playing to an average total of 7.92 runs per game, with Milwaukee averaging a total of 8.73 runs in its contests.
Brewers vs Braves trend
The Brewers are 7-2 in Rea’s last nine starts overall. Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. Braves.
Brewers vs Braves game info
| Location: | Truist Park, Cumberland, GA |
| Date: | Tuesday, 8-6-2024 |
| First pitch: | 7:20 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TBS |
| Brewers starting pitcher: | Colin Rea (9-3, 3.59 ERA) |
| Braves starting pitcher: | Bryce Elder (2-4, 5.67 ERA) |
Brewers vs Braves latest injuries
Brewers vs Braves weather
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