San Diego Padres vs Atlanta Braves Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 5/18/24, 4:12 AM  by Lou Aguila | Modified on 5/18/24 at 6:12 AM in MLB Picks

The Atlanta Braves head into Game 2 of their three-game series with the San Diego Padres seeking to avenge their 3-1 loss the series opener on Friday. The Braves, who rank in the top-10 in batting average (.254), slugging (.410) and on-base percentage (.325), have suddenly struggled on offense, scoring just two runs in the past two games. Atlanta’s big bats had no answer against the Padres hurler Matt Waldron, who struck out 10 batters and gave up one run for 5.2 innings. The Braves (26-15) now lost three of their last five games, falling 3.5 games below the top-ranked Philadelphia Phillies (32-14) in the NL East standings. The Padres, meanwhile, ended their three-game losing skid with the series-opener win. At 23-24, San Diego own the No.2 spot in the NL West standings but still trails the Los Angeles Dodgers by 7 games. Yu Darvish (3-1, 2.43 ERA with 37 strikeouts) is listed as the probable starter for the Padres on Saturday. He will take on Braves RHP Bryce Elder (1-1, 4.79 ERA with 16 strikeouts).