MLB picks: Braves vs. Yankees, Diamondbacks vs. Reds

Let’s take a look at the best available bets in baseball this Wednesday night!

First up, it’s a national TV event between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees. Then we’ll preview a contest pitting the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Cincinnati Reds.

Atlanta Braves (7-10) at New York Yankees (6-10), 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Another high-scoring tilt appears to be in store at a windy Yankee Stadium this Wednesday night.

Ian Anderson makes his fourth start of 2021 for the Braves, and he’s looking to get past the fifth inning for the first time this season. He’s been pulled early by Brian Snitker after finding trouble in each of his first three outings, hence his elevated ERA (4.70) and WHIP (1.43).

Anderson started once against the Yankees last year, allowing just a solo shot by Luke Voit (currently on the IL) in six innings of work. But it would not be surprising if the Bombers learn from that experience and take some better at-bats against Anderson this time around. DJ LeMahieu and Gio Urshela – who have combined for 12 hits over their last five games – should get the offense going for New York.

Corey Kluber counters for the Bombers, and he’s also had a rough go of it the second and third time around the order, averaging a mere 3.44 innings per start in 2021. He’s likely to put more pressure on a Yankees bullpen that’s 21st by WHIP (1.43) over the last week. Atlanta’s relievers have not been any better in that span, ranking 23rd in the same category (1.54).

MLB pick: Over

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Arizona Diamondbacks (6-10) at Cincinnati Reds (9-6), 6:40 p.m. ET

The Reds should grab an early lead and never look back against the Diamondbacks this Wednesday night.

Merrill Kelly, who’s had a disastrous first three road starts in 2021 (8.44 ERA), gets the call for Arizona. He’s allowed seven first-inning runs this year, which should pique the interest of prop bettors and first five inning players.

Cincinnati’s offense remains tops in the majors at 6.07 runs per game, so expect them to gather plenty of hits against Kelly and the generous D-backs bullpen (22nd in opponent batting average).

Tyler Mahle starts for the Reds, and he’s been stingy on the mound this season, allowing opponents to bat just .146 against him through 14 innings. He’s backed by a Cincinnati bullpen that’s ninth in the majors in opponent batting average (.207), so expect Arizona to have trouble generating traffic on the bases.

Trend bettors should note that the D-backs are 8-21 in their last 29 road games dating back to last season, and 12-25 in their last 37 games against right-handed starters.

The Reds are 16-5 in their last 21 home games against right-handed starters.

MLB pick: Reds runline