Braves vs. Diamondbacks Prediction, Odds and Probable Pitchers for Monday, July 8 (Trust)

The Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks both won back-to-back games heading into their Monday night series, and it should be fun.

Arizona returned to .500 on the season, but is still in third place in the NL West one season after appearing in the World Series.

Meanwhile, the Braves have done their best without star Ronald Acuna Jr., who is eight games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.

Atlanta comes into this game as a heavy favorite, mainly because Chris Sale is about to get going. Can he make it six straight dominant starts for Atlanta?

Here’s a look at the odds, likely pitchers and my best bet for Monday’s late-night contest.

Racing line

Money line

Total

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Atlanta Braves

Chris Sale: The left-hander has been dominant for the Braves this season, posting a 2.71 ERA and 2.26 FIP. He has allowed two runs or fewer in five straight starts, and the Braves are 11-5 when he’s on the mound. Sale has had a fascinating comeback after years of injury problems.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte: Will Ketel Marte be back in the lineup Monday? The Diamondbacks star has missed two straight games with a back injury. Overall this season, Marte is hitting .284 with 17 homers and 51 RBIs to lead the D-Backs. They could really use him in the lineup against a tough arm like Sale.

Simply put, the Braves have thrived when Sale has been on the mound this season, going 11-5, and have been even better in his last five outings.

Sale has allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of those starts, which should give the Braves a chance to build a lead against Yilber Diaz, who is making his major league debut in this one.

Diaz has posted a 3.27 ERA in four starts in Triple-A this season, a sign he’s ready for the big leagues. Still, it’s a big adjustment to get his first start against an Atlanta team that ranks in the top half of the league in several offensive categories.

I also wouldn’t be shocked to see the D-Backs bullpen have to work a lot in this game, which hasn’t been a good thing in 2024. Arizona has a 4.44 ERA this season, which ranks 25th in the league.

With Sale on the mound for Atlanta, there are just too many things pointing to a Braves victory.

Pick: Braves Moneyline (-185)

Odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.

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