MLB Picks: Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The Atlanta Braves (9-4) and Philadelphia Phillies (6-7) will continue a National League East series Tuesday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park

Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have won three of their last four games

Atlanta has won four consecutive games, including a 9-6 victory over Philadelphia as -124 road favorites Monday, while going OVER the betting total for a fifth consecutive affair. The Braves will likely be without the services of closer Craig Kimbrel, who has been experiencing soreness in his throwing shoulder. The franchise went 11-8 against the Phillies in 2013, including a 4-5 mark at this ballpark. Atlanta is 18-17 as road underdogs of +125 to +150 the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 20-15 in that situation.

Braves starting pitcher David Hale (0-0, 2.89 ERA) has yet to earn a decision in his first two efforts, as he’s allowed four runs (three earned) and 10 hits over 9.1 combined innings of work. The right-hander tossed five shutout innings in his first career road appearance versus the Washington Nationals earlier this year. Hale earned a 7-1 home victory over the Phillies in his first lifetime appearance against them on Sept. 26 of last season.

Philadelphia had its three-game winning streak snapped last night, while going OVER the betting total for the seventh time in eight affairs. The Phillies’ bullpen has really struggled in the early going this season—compiling a 5.53 ERA and serving up seven home runs in its past 26.2 innings of work. Offensively, the club has utilized outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. in the leadoff spot over its last four contests, as he’s gone 6 for 14 in his last three starts. Philadelphia is 24-13 as home favorites of -125 to -150 the last two-plus seasons.

Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee (2-1, 5.50 ERA) has allowed 29 hits and 11 runs in his first three efforts of the season. The left-hander went 7-5 with a 3.34 ERA in 15 home efforts in 2013—surrendering 16 home runs in 107.2 innings of work. In five appearances versus the Braves last year, Lee compiled a 3-2 record and 2.29 ERA—limiting them to a .181 batting average.