Atlanta Braves
Washington Nationals
(-110/-110)+130
As the Washington Nationals prepare to host the Atlanta Braves on May 21, 2025, both teams find themselves trying to gain traction in the National League East. The Nationals’ record of 22-27 shows they’re struggling this season, while the Braves stand at a slightly better 24-24, reflecting an average performance thus far. Right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams is projected to take the mound for Washington, coming off a rough stretch with a 5.91 ERA this year, which is among the worst in MLB. However, his xFIP of 4.03 suggests he may have been unlucky, potentially hinting at a better performance ahead.
On the other side, the Braves will start A.J. Smith-Shawver, who boasts an impressive 2.33 ERA but has an xFIP of 3.73, indicating his success may not be sustainable. With both pitchers projected to allow around 2.6 earned runs, the performance of the offenses will play a critical role in determining the game’s outcome.
The Nationals’ offense ranks 15th in MLB, performing averagely but still capable of producing when needed. They have an implied team total of 3.84 runs, suggesting they might be in for a competitive outing. In contrast, the Braves have an implied team total of 4.66 runs, indicating their stronger offensive potential, despite ranking 14th overall.
In their most recent matchup, the Braves secured a win, taking a step toward solidifying their position in the standings. With Williams’ inconsistency and Smith-Shawver’s solid recent form, the matchup looks intriguing, especially for those considering the betting lines. The Nationals are currently an underdog with a moneyline of +135, presenting a tempting opportunity for bettors looking to capitalize on the potential for an upset.
Betting Trends
- Washington Nationals – Over/Under 3.5 Team Total (-115/-115)The Washington Nationals have hit the Team Total Under in 21 of their last 35 games (+5.99 Units / 15% ROI)
- Over/Under 8.5 Game Total (-110/-110)The Atlanta Braves have hit the Game Total Under in 18 of their last 30 games (+7.20 Units / 22% ROI)