Dodgers vs. Braves: Game 3, prediction, odds, injuries and picks

The Atlanta Braves (0-6) have scored nine runs all season and possess a -17 run differential. Brian Snitker's squad must return to the field on Wednesday to oppose an LA Dodgers team that has yet to lose a game after winning the series last night by posting the 3-1 win.

Oddsmakers don't appear bullish of Atlanta ending its futility this evening either, with the Braves installed heavy underdogs as they send Bryce Elder to the bump to square off against former Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.

Dodgers vs. Braves recent form and records

The season began with an ugly four-game series sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres in Petco and has carried over to Chavez Ravine, where the Braves dropped the first two games of this series and got outscored 9-2 in the process. Going winless has cost $100 per bet MLB bettors over $660, with the under cashing at a 4-1-1 clip due to the offense's ineptitude.

It's been an entirely different story for the wagering supporters of the defending champs, who've gotten out to a lucrative 7-0 start by winning each of their first three played series. With LA favored to win each matchup, it's resulted in $700 worth of baseball betting profit.

Injuries

Atlanta

R. Lopez SP 15 Day IL - Shoulder
R. Acuna RF 10 Day IL - Knee
S. Murphy C 10 Day IL - Rib
N. Alvarez SS 10 Day IL - Wrist
S. Strider SP 15 Day IL - Elbow
J. Jimenez RP 60 Day IL - Knee

Los Angeles

F. Freeman 1B Day To Day - Ankle
T. Gonsolin SP 15 Day IL - Back
E. Henriquez SP 15 Day IL - Foot
K. Hurt SP 15 Day IL - Elbow
E. Phillips RP 15 Day IL - Shoulder
M. Kopech RP 15 Day IL - Shoulder
M. Grove RP 60 Day IL - Shoulder
B. Graterol RP 60 Day IL - Shoulder
E. Sheehan SP 60 Day IL - Elbow
C. Kershaw SP 60 Day IL - Toe
R. Ryan SP 60 Day IL - Elbow
G. Stone SP 60 Day IL - Shoulder

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

Bryce Elder (2-5, 6.52 ERA in 2024)

Elder went 1-2 with a 5.19 ERA and 22:7 K/BB ratio over 26.0 IP on the road last year
Elder is 0-1 with a 5.28 ERA and 14:9 K/BB ratio in 15.1 IP thrown against the Dodgers
Elder gave up 7 hits and 7 ER in 3.1 IP with 4 K and 4 BB against Los Angeles in 2024

Blake Snell (1-0, 3.60 ERA in 2025)

Snell went 1-2 with a 2.85 ERA and 77:21 K/BB ratio over 53.2 IP at home last year
Snell is 0-2 with a 2.95 ERA and 23:12 K/BB ratio in 21.1 IP thrown against the Braves
Snell gave up 2 hits and 0 ER in 6.1 IP with 11 K and 3 BB against Atlanta in 2024

Must-Watch Hitters

Atlanta

One of these days, the switch is going to flip for the offense. When it does, you can't help but think Marcell Ozuna will be one of the reasons why. The Braves DH has gotten out to a wretched start to his 2025 campaign, slashing .214/.542/.756 with three hits and 2 RBI. He's raked two extra-base hits versus Snell in six career at-bats, with one leaving the yard. DK has him lined at +550 to go deep tonight and only -135 to get 1+ hit. Those aren't the norms for the big bopper!

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Los Angeles

A litany of Dodgers bats have raked Elder, so it's tough to pinpoint one to ride in tonight's series finale. With Freddie Freeman potentially sidelined once again due to reaggravating an ankle injury, let's roll with Teoscar Hernandez, who was quiet last night. He's +550 to hit a home run at DK and is also +140 to plate 1 RBI, +450 for 2 RBI, and 12/1 to knock in three. It's possible that runs will hit the board in tonight's finale!

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Dodgers vs. Braves Betting Odds

Wednesday 4/2	Money Line	Run Line	Total Runs
Atlanta Braves	+210	+1.5 +105	O 8 -120
Los Angeles Dodgers	-258	-1.5 -125	U 8 +100

Dodgers vs. Braves expert picks and game prediction

Los Angeles hit the board -210 to sweep this series. Their odds have since swelled to -258 with spots other than DraftKings Sportsbook, forcing MLB bettors to lay an even steeper price to back the Dodgers.

Variance evens everything out over the course of a 162-game baseball season. You can bet your bottom dollar Atlanta wants absolutely nothing to do with returning to Truist Park for its home opener winless. It won't be popular with the masses - and that's exactly how we like it - but hit the Braves on both the money and run lines and look for something crazy to go down in this one.

Dodgers vs. Braves Prediction: Atlanta Wins 8-7

About the author

Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Kansas with dreams of becoming an orthopedic surgeon and team physician. However, his career path took a different turn as he ventured into sports handicapping, writing, and editing.

While preparing for the MCAT, Mike applied to contribute to a site offering free sports picks, which proved to be a pivotal step. His success there garnered interest from larger platforms and startups. Despite his efforts, organic chemistry derailed his medical school ambitions, and he chose to shift fully into sports betting and fantasy sports content creation.

Over a 20-year career, Mike has navigated the highs and lows of professional sports betting. His experience spans working on a late-night sports talk radio show, covering the Chicago Rush in the Arena Football League, managing a content distribution company, owning and operating a vape shop, and creating one of the first profitable DFS affiliate sites—an endeavor that helped buy his current home.

When offline, Mike enjoys working out his green thumb, coaching his son’s sports teams, hosting tea parties with his daughter, and relaxing with his wife and friends. A die-hard Kansas Jayhawks fan, he also proudly bleeds Cubbie blue.

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Edited by Ribin Peter