The Atlanta Braves look to finally pick up a win after their ignominious start to the season as they face the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are looking to stay undefeated in tonight’s series finale.
Bryce Elder gets the nod for Atlanta with teammate Reynaldo Lopez on the 15-day IL, and my Braves vs. Dodgers predictions are targeting an opposing player prop against the fill-in starter.
See why I’m bullish on Michael Conforto with MLB picks for Wednesday, April 2.
Braves vs Dodgers prediction
My Braves vs Dodgers best bet: Michael Conforto Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-110 at bet365)
The first thing you’ll likely notice when handicapping this game is the weather report. Fierce winds are expected at Dodger Stadium, blowing out to right field at 17 mph.
This stands to benefit left-handed hitters most, as the wind will be blowing out to their pull side. The Los Angeles Dodgers face Bryce Elder, a right-handed starting pitcher who will try to mitigate the windy conditions with his 49.9% career ground ball rate.
The Atlanta Braves righty achieves these results by throwing his sinker on 42.8% of his offerings and his slider 31.4% of the time. The thing is, the pitch modeling services don’t think much of these offerings, providing a poor projection going forward for the 25-year-old.
The former fifth-round pick out of Texas ranked 184th out of 186 in Stuff+ (81) among starting pitchers to throw 40+ innings a year ago. That’s a continuation of his poor showings in Stuff+ as he ranked 41st out of 43 qualified starters with an 87 Stuff+ in 2023.
Outfielder Michael Conforto stands to capitalize. The former Oregon State product has mashed sinkers in his career with a 173 wRC+ and .417 wOBA across a large sample size. He’s also performed well against the slider (107 wRC+ and .317 wOBA), giving him a positive outlook against Elder.
There’s a lot to like about the 32-year-old in his first year in L.A. after he ranked in the 85th percentile in xwOBA and the 89th percentile in xSLG a year ago. He still generates an impressive bat speed (82nd percentile) and makes quality contact (80th percentile barrel rate), and he combines this with good swing decisions (76th percentile chase rate).
There’s not a lot of pressure for him to perform in L.A.'s star-studded lineup. He’s responded well to the situation thus far, going 5-for-17 with four doubles, three RBI, and three walks.
The weather conditions, opposing pitcher matchup, and underlying metrics support Confort having a successful day at the dish. He’ll be well-rested after receiving a day off against Chris Sale a day ago, as well.
Braves vs Dodgers same-game parlay (SGP)
Michael Conforto Over 1.5 H+R+RBI
Blake Snell Over 7.5 strikeouts
Over 8
Blake Snell’s Dodgers debut wasn’t particularly memorable. The southpaw only threw 53 of his 92 offerings in the zone while allowing two earned runs on five hits and four walks across five innings of work.
Perhaps most notably, he only struck out two batters. Considering he garnered a 35% whiff rate — in line with his 37% whiff rate (98th percentile) a year ago — Snell should see the Ks bounce back sooner than later.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner notched 8+ strikeouts in nine of his last 11 starts to end 2024, and there isn’t any reason to expect a drop-off. He’s fully ramped up after throwing 90+ pitches in his first start.
The Braves have been miserable against LHP in a small sample size this year, with a -6 wRC+ and 28.6% K-rate. They had the eighth-highest K-rate (24.4%) against them in 2024.
Atlanta was pretty good against lefties last year overall, with a 114 wRC+ and .335 wOBA, so one should expect positive regression in those numbers while the K-rate remains above league average. The Braves could still put up some runs with winds of 17 mph blowing out to right field, but they probably strike out a fair amount against Snell.
I’ll take the Over based primarily on the winds and Elder’s underwhelming outlook, although Snell’s shaky opening start also plays a role.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Braves vs Dodgers odds
Braves vs Dodgers live odds
Braves vs Dodgers opening odds
- Moneyline: Atlanta +175 | Los Angeles -210
- Run line: Atlanta +1.5 (-110) | Los Angeles -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 8 (-120) | Under 8 (+100)
Braves vs Dodgers trend
Michael Conforto has recorded 2+ hits + runs + RBI in three straight games. Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Braves vs Dodgers and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Wednesday, 4-2-2025 |
| First pitch | 8:38 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSNSO, SNLA, MLBN |
| Braves starting pitcher | Bryce Elder (0-0, 0.00 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Blake Snell (1-0, 3.60 ERA) |
Braves vs Dodgers latest injuries
Braves vs Dodgers weather
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