Swanson, Braves welcome Nats to town
Dansby Swanson’s MLB debut came during a relatively nondescript interleague finale. Nonetheless, the stakes are intensifying in a hurry.
Atlanta’s blue-chip prospect will encounter NL East-leading Washington tonight, with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Turner Field. Online sports book BetDSI gives the visiting squad odds of -149 to prevail, whereas the Braves typify +134 underdogs. The over/under run figure rests at nine.
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The No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 amateur draft went 2-for-4 on Wednesday. Brian Snitker’s troops struggled collectively, though, dropping a 10-3 verdict to Minnesota. Atlanta’s home record now sits at 18-41.
His opponent notwithstanding, perhaps Swanson can inject some life into the Peach State shortly. The 22-year-old has split the campaign between High-A Carolina and Double-A Mississippi, clubbing nine homers in 105 contests. Scouts also adore the shortstop’s range, which could be put to the test as early as this evening.
Snitker hands the series-opening assignment to the grounder-dependent Rob Whalen (1-1, 7.31 ERA). The rookie righty got knocked around by the Nationals last weekend, allowing six runs across five innings. He’ll have to pay particular attention to Jayson Werth, the man with the on-base streak of 45 games.
Meanwhile, Reynaldo Lopez (1-1, 5.74) toes the rubber for the Nats. The lefty labored through his first two big-league appearances before posting seven solid frames his last time out. Washington (70-49) regards Lopez and Lucas Giolito as the crown jewels of its farm system.
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Swanson is slated to hit in the No. 8 hole, but a good effort against Lopez may prompt Snitker to move the Vanderbilt product higher in the lineup sooner rather than later. From top to bottom, however, the Braves (44-76) simply can’t keep pace with the Nationals. Dusty Baker’s gang seems all but assured of improving to 35-26 on the road.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: NATIONALS -1.5