As the Phillies take on the Braves, all eyes should be on Dominic Smith, who’s been on a tear lately. He’s consistently finding gaps, and with the way he’s swinging the bat, it's hard to imagine him being held hitless. The Braves' pitching staff, while talented, has shown some vulnerability against left-handed hitters recently. Smith thrives in those matchups, making this a prime opportunity for him to add to his hit tally.
Additionally, the Phillies are riding a wave of momentum, boasting a lineup that’s been scoring in bunches. With the game set at Citizens Bank Park—a hitter-friendly venue—expect plenty of action. Given that Smith is projected to clear the 0.5 hits mark with nearly a 66% implied probability, putting your trust in him to record at least one hit seems like a savvy play. Don't miss out on this opportunity to cash in on his current form!
Bryce Harper (PHI) Under 1.5 Total Bases (-161)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Phillies square off against the Braves, Bryce Harper's recent form raises some eyebrows for those considering the 'Under 1.5' total bases. Harper has been held in check lately, not just by opposing pitchers but also by the Braves' formidable bullpen, which has been stingy on extra-base hits. In the last week, he’s posted a modest .220 average against right-handers, and with Atlanta sending a sharp pitcher to the mound, it could spell trouble for his power production.
Moreover, Harper's tendency to chase breaking balls has been exploited, leading to weaker contact. Combine that with the fact that the Braves' pitching staff has a stellar strikeout rate, and it’s easy to see why this matchup might not favor him. With an implied probability suggesting a strong likelihood of him failing to clear that total, taking the 'Under' feels like a savvy play in this matchup.
Edmundo Sosa (NA) Under 1.5 Total Bases (-185)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Phillies face off against the Braves this Friday, all eyes will be on Edmundo Sosa. Despite flashes of brilliance, his recent form suggests a tough night ahead. Sosa’s bat has been inconsistent, with a batting average dipping below .220 in his last 10 games. Facing Braves starter Max Fried—who boasts a stingy 2.80 ERA and has held opponents to a .230 average this season—Sosa might find himself struggling to find gaps.
Moreover, the Braves’ defense has been nothing short of stellar, ranking in the top tier for fielding efficiency, making it even harder for hitters to rack up total bases. Add in the fact that Sosa's average is just 0.6 expected total bases according to the models, and it paints a clear picture: the under on 1.5 total bases feels like the right call as we anticipate a challenging evening for him at the plate.
J.T. Realmuto (PHI) Under 1.5 Total Bases (-189)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Phillies gear up to face the Braves on April 17, J.T. Realmuto's recent struggles at the plate could spell trouble for those expecting him to clear 1.5 total bases. Over the past week, he's been hitting a mere .200, facing a Braves pitching staff that has locked down opposing batters with a remarkable 2.75 ERA on the road.
Moreover, the matchup against Atlanta's ace, who boasts a .220 average against him, paints a daunting picture for Realmuto. Historically, he’s been less effective against left-handed pitchers, and with the Braves likely deploying a southpaw, his chances of hitting that over diminish.
Considering all these factors, betting on the under for Realmuto’s total bases feels like a savvy play. His current form, combined with the matchup dynamics, suggests that he might struggle to find gaps in a formidable Braves defense, making the under a compelling choice.
Alec Bohm (PHI) Over 0.5 Hits (-222)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Phillies host the Braves on Friday, Alec Bohm is primed for a standout performance at the plate. He’s been on a tear lately, racking up hits consistently against right-handed pitching, and Atlanta’s Kyle Wright presents an enticing matchup. This season, Bohm has shown a knack for finding gaps, boasting a solid contact rate that translates well into productive at-bats.
Looking closer, the Phillies’ lineup has been scorching hot at home, averaging over 5 runs per game. Given Bohm's recent form and his ability to capitalize on a favorable matchup, he seems likely to add to that tally. Plus, with the Braves’ bullpen struggling with consistency, there’s a good chance Bohm gets more than one opportunity to swing for the fences. With the odds favoring him to record at least one hit, backing the over on 0.5 hits feels like a savvy move in this high-stakes showdown.
Mike Yastrzemski (SFG) Over 0.5 Hits (-164)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing
As the Phillies gear up to host the Braves, Mike Yastrzemski stands out as a prime candidate to make his mark at the plate. Lately, he’s been on a tear, boasting an impressive .320 average over his last 15 games, showcasing not just skill but an eye for the ball that’s hard to ignore.
Facing off against an Atlanta pitching staff that has struggled with consistency, particularly against left-handed hitters, Yastrzemski’s ability to capitalize on pitch mistakes becomes even more crucial. Add in that the Braves’ bullpen has been prone to allowing runs late in games, and it sets the stage perfectly for Yastrzemski to not only get a hit but potentially spark a rally.
With the Phillies' offense heating up and Yastrzemski in the zone, betting on him to notch over 0.5 hits feels like a savvy play. The numbers suggest he’ll deliver on this opportunity, and history shows he thrives in these pivotal moments.