Atlanta Braves vs Baltimore Orioles Prediction & Betting Tips - MLB Spring Training

Prediction published on 09/03/2024, 03:00  by Matthew Newman | Modified on 09/03/2024 at 03:02 in Baseball Predictions

For the third time in spring training, the two Eastern Division winners from 2023 go head-to-head as the 7-5 Atlanta Braves host the 12-2 Baltimore Orioles. The Braves are second in the standings in the Grapefruit League behind only the Orioles as they get themselves ready for a run at their 7th National League East title on the bounce. They won 11 straight from 1995-2005 so they have a fair way to go to catch up with that record but their core of young players could be up to the task. At the other end of the age scale is Chris Sale who is 34 and has suffered a string of shortened seasons recently from injury. This is his third start of the spring and he's looked good so far, striking out nine in 4.2 innings without giving up a run.

The Orioles have not been putting many runs on the board, but their pitching staff have been doing an outstanding job of shutting the opposing team down. They are similar to the Braves in that they have an excellent core of young players but are a few years behind in terms of development. The scary thing for the American League East is that the O's arguably have the strongest farm system so the conveyor belt of young talent is only just starting. They are getting a good look at their 2022 number-one pick Jackson Holliday who has been inconsistent but has two doubles and a couple of triples so far.