Last year was finally the year. Atlanta could stop holding its breath. And quit whining about its horrible luck and a curse. Finally, the Braves won the World Series. With that baseball betting odds triumph, Atlanta could dispense of its reputation as playoff chokers. Now comes the hard part. The 2000 New York Yankees were the last repeat World Series champions. Major League Baseball is in an era of unprecedented parity. Wild Card games, the luxury tax, and analytics have combined to tighten the field. Thus, Atlanta is not a favorite for an encore.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves
| Date and Time: | Thursday, April 7, 2022, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Truist Park, Cumberland, Georgia |
| Reds at Braves TV Coverage: | ESPN2 |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reds | +1½ (-115) | 8 (-115) | +170 |  |
| Braves | -1½ (-105) | 8 (-105) | -180 | |
| ||||
Cincinnati Reds at Atlanta Braves SBG Betting Odds Analysis
On this occasion, we are treated to an offshore betting matchup of an aspiring contender and defending champion. Due to years of mediocrity, Cincinnati has a poor reputation with gamblers. Thus, the Reds are going to be substantial underdogs for this game. Most gamblers see Cincinnati as a National League pennant longshot. The Reds are not big spenders. Furthermore, Cincinnati is one of the most poorly run franchises in baseball.
Oddsmakers are aware of the Reds’ lack of popularity with the masses. As a result, Cincinnati stands a solid chance to get an enhanced price to keep wagering action even. Bargain hunters will consider the Reds for this reason. In turn, gamblers realize that Atlanta will not be cheap and will probably be priced too high.
Naturally, the Braves will get plenty of betting support. Atlanta has been a perennial playoff contender for several years. And then their World Series title serves to enhance their branding. On the whole, there are few franchises as popular as the Braves. This branding goes back generations to when Atlanta was “America’s Team” based on most of their games being televised on TBS.
Cincinnati Reds Overview
Namely, Tyler Mahle is the probable starter for the Reds. The Right-hander was 13-6 with a 3.75 earned run average and 1.23 WHIP. Last season was the best season in Mahle’s career.
Atlanta Braves Overview
Left-hander Max Fried is the probable starting pitcher for the Braves. Last year Fried was on All-MLB’s second team. Fried was a 2020 and 2021 Rawlings NL Gold Glove winner. In 2021, Fried was 14-7 with a 3.04 earned run average and 1.09 WHIP.
Of great concern is a change in close for the Braves. Kenley Jansen arrives from the Dodgers. Jansen pitched in Los Angeles from 2010 through 2021. Last year he was 4-4 with a 2.22 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. He saved 38 games in 43 chances. Most important of all, Jansen improved significantly from 2020.
Yet another worry is the departure of Freddie Freeman to the Dodgers. Freeman was a catalyst for one of the best lineups in baseball.
Additionally, there is great anticipation for the return of left fielder Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna could play in only 48 games last year. However, he is expected to be back at full strength for the 2021 campaign. Ozuna is a 2-time National League All-Star.
Cincinnati Reds at Atlanta Braves SBG Free Pick
In this situation, the Braves are the power play that makes the most sense with the MLB odds.
Reds at Braves SBG Best Bet: Atlanta Braves.