Rob Senior previews the Chicago White Sox vs. Atlanta Braves on Saturday, July 15. He provides his expert prediction and best bets.
Date & Time: Saturday, July 15, 7:10 P.M. Eastern
Moneyline: Chicago White Sox (+220) vs. Atlanta Braves (-260)
Runline: White Sox +1.5 (+115)/Braves -1.5 (-135)
Total: Over 8 (-110)/Under 8 (-120)
Where: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Weather: 88 degrees, 50% chance of rain
White Sox vs. Braves: Preview and Picks
Everyone’s World Series favorite, the Atlanta Braves, kick off the second half at home this weekend against the struggling South Siders, the Chicago White Sox of the American League Central.
As you might imagine, the oddsmakers are predicting a mismatch. But let’s see if there’s any value on this one.
Chicago White Sox Preview
A team thought to have sleeper potential in the American League’s Central Division has fallen flat on its face so far this season.
A record of 38-54 sees the White Sox just trying to tread water and get to the trade deadline, where they hope to be sellers and recoup some needed prospects for their future.
As Luis Robert Jr. goes, so goes the White Sox offense… sort of. The world got to meet Robert Jr. during Monday’s Home Run Derby in Seattle. The performance was in line with his breakout season. Robert Jr. already has a career-high 26 home runs – but only 51 RBI, which tells you plenty about the offense surrounding him.
Indeed, the White Sox rank no higher than 22nd in any major offensive categories.
Taking the mound is Lance Lynn. A 36-year-old right hander and a prime trade candidate before the end of the month.
Atlanta Braves Preview
If last week’s performance against Tampa Bay wasn’t enough, Spencer Strider officially arrived when he was named a pitcher for the National League’s All-Star team.
At a record of 11-2, Strider leads MLB in strikeouts and is also tied for the lead in wins in 2023. Best of all? He got the honor of being an All-Star, but never pitched in the game so he’s on a full week’s rest for his start on Saturday night.
The rest of the Braves form the 2023 version of Murderer’s Row. At or near the top of most offensive categories, led by an MVP-caliber first half from RF Ronald Acuna Jr., who’s supported by sluggers in 1B Matt Olson as well as 3B Austin Riley.
It’s the best offense in the game, which makes our prediction a bit scary…
Chicago White Sox vs. Atlanta Braves Prediction
Lynn and Stripling are two of the game’s best strikeout artists, each averaging well into double-digit strikeouts over nine innings.
Everyone knows the story of Atlanta’s offense, but Lance Lynn is due for a bounce back in the second half. His 6.03 ERA will give anyone cause for concern. However, he’s on nine days’ rest and coming off a one-hit, seven-inning performance against the Blue Jays where he didn’t allow a run.
Will it be enough? He has to try to match one of the best in Spencer Strider. If Lynn hopes to be pitching for a contender in a few weeks what better stage to showcase himself for a trade?
Take a deep breath while playing the under.
Prediction: Chicago White Sox/Atlanta Braves Under 8 runs (-125)
