Colorado Rockies at Atlanta Braves 9/1/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Colorado Rockies will be one of the biggest underdogs of the MLB preview season when they go on the road to Truist Park to take on the Atlanta Braves. The Rockies are currently getting at least 3:1 odds across the board, despite winning their last two games including the series opener against the Braves. Yet, they remain among the worst teams in the MLB, especially on the road. The Braves have trimmed the NL East lead to just 3 games, but have lost three straight games and sit at 79-51 which is firmly in the wild card.

The Rockies' offense away from home is the worst in the league averaging just 3.08 runs per game, over 2.6 runs less than their average at home. First baseman CJ Cron has emerged as one of the best first basemen in the National League, he leads the team with 24 home runs and 86 RBIs. The injury to Kris Bryant didn’t do the Rockies any favors, he’s played just 42 games and will miss this game with a foot injury.

The right-handed Chad Kuhl will get the ball for the Rockies in an uphill battle as a major underdog on the road. Kuhl is 6-7 with a 5.17 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 21 games this season, which would be the worst season of his career thus far. Kuhl had a solid-enough outing last time allowing three runs on five hits, and striking out four in a loss to the Mets.

Atlanta is one of the best offenses in the league averaging 4.95 runs per game which ranks third in the MLB in scoring offense. It’s a loaded offesne led by third baseman Austin Riley who leads the team hitting .228 and 31 home runs, and is second on the team in RBIs with 83. New signing Matt Olson leads the team with RBIs (87) and is second in homers with 27.

SPencer Strider will get the start for the Braves and he’s having a fantastic season going 8-4 with a 2.87 ERA and 1.03 WHIP on the year. Strider is 12th in the MLB in strikeouts with 158, and is coming off a fantastic start allowing a run on six hits and struck out seven in a 11-4 win win over the Cardinals. The 23-year-old Strider is off to a fantastic start to his career, and is currently -175 to win the NL Rookie of the Year.