Jun 4, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (11) singled to left against the Boston Red Sox in the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
- The Atlanta Braves visit the Boston Red Sox in the finale of a two-game set at Fenway on Wednesday afternoon
- Atlanta rookie Spencer Schwellenbach makes his second career start opposite Boston veteran Nick Pivetta
- Below, see the Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox predictions, props, and starting pitcher matchup
The injury-riddled Atlanta Braves (34-24, 15-12 away) can put together their first three-game win streak since early May when they finish up a quick two-game series with the Boston Red Sox (30-31, 13-18 home) at Fenway Park at 1:35 pm ET on Wednesday, June 5.
Atlanta will give 24-year-old rookie Spencer Schwellenbach his second career start while Boston counters with seven-year veteran Nick Pivetta. The current Braves vs Red Sox odds list the game as a pick’em with both teams listed at -110.
Atlanta Braves vs Boston Red Sox Predictions
- Atlanta Braves moneyline (-105)
- Pivetta under under 17.5 outs (-125)
Pivetta has always struggled at Fenway. In each of his first three (full) seasons with the Bo-Sox, he’s had a home ERA of 4.54 or higher (and a better ERA on the road). In three home starts this year, he’s sporting a 5.65 ERA. Pivetta didn’t finish the sixth inning in any of those starts and, dating back to last season, he’s only recorded 18 or more outs once in his last 15 appearances at home (his final start of 2023 against the White Sox) though some of those were in relief.
Pivetta, who started his career with the Phillies, has a large sample size against the Braves lineup, and it’s not terribly encouraging. In 142 at-bats, the Atlanta hitters have a .275 average and .893 OPS with 12 home runs and 33 RBI. Marcell Ozuna, in particular, has crushed Pivetta, going 8-for-26 (.306) with six home runs and 14 RBI. Austin Riley and Orlando Arcia each have two homers apiece.
The Braves lineup isn’t at full power with Ronald Acuna Jr sidelined but there is still a ton of power in this lineup, which equaled the record for most home runs in a single season last year.
Spencer Schwellenbach vs Nick Pivetta
| 0-1 | Record | 2-4 |
| 5.40 | ERA | 4.08 |
| 4.35 | xERA | 3.98 |
| 1.20 | WHIP | 1.05 |
| 22.7% | K% | 30.0% |
Schwellenbach was reasonably effective in his first-ever start, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk with five strikeouts over 5.0 innings against the Nationals on May 29. The Braves’ #3 prospect was thrust into action when #1 prospect AJ Smith-Shawver went down with an oblique strain (while filling the spot in the rotation vacated by Spencer Strider, who’s out for the season following elbow surgery).
Schwellenbach has a very promising pitch mix with a fastball that averages nearly 96 mph plus an effective curve, slider, and changeup.
Schwellenbach was a second-round pick in 2021 and, as talented an arm as he has, is only in the big leagues because of Atlanta’s injury situation. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021 and missed all of 2022. This season, he made two starts in double-A before being called up. He had never even pitched an inning in triple-A before his first MLB start.
Braves vs Red Sox Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Runline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves (Schwellenbach) | -110 | -1.5 (+145) | O 9.5 (-115) |
| Red Sox (Pivetta) | -110 | +1.5 (-175) | U 9.5 (-105) |
The odds are nearly identical across every MLB betting site. The best price on both moneylines can currently be found at FanDuel, which lists both sides at -108. BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, and ESPN Bet all have Atlanta and Boston at -110 to win.
There is a little more variation on the game total; Caesars Sportsbook has the under at even money. The best price on the over is -110 at FanDuel.
Sascha was a hockey player in his youth, a lawyer in his capricious mid-20s, and has been with SBD since 2014. He specializes in football, basketball, politics, baseball, and hockey.
The highly anticipated matchup between the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox on June 5th is sure to be a thrilling game for baseball fans. With both teams boasting strong lineups and talented starting pitchers, this game has the potential to be a close and exciting contest.
Starting pitchers are always a key factor in determining the outcome of a game, and for this matchup, the Braves will be sending Max Fried to the mound. Fried has been one of the Braves’ most reliable starters this season, boasting a 2.74 ERA and a 5-3 record. His ability to keep hitters off balance with his mix of pitches and his knack for inducing ground balls make him a tough matchup for any team.
On the other side, the Red Sox will counter with Eduardo Rodriguez as their starting pitcher. Rodriguez has had a solid season so far, with a 5-3 record and a 5.06 ERA. While he has shown flashes of brilliance at times, he has also struggled with consistency, giving up too many walks and home runs. If Rodriguez can harness his stuff and keep the Braves’ potent lineup in check, the Red Sox will have a good chance of coming out on top.
In terms of predictions for this game, it’s shaping up to be a close one. Both teams have strong offenses that are capable of putting up runs in a hurry, so expect to see some fireworks at the plate. The key for both teams will be their starting pitchers and how well they can navigate through the opposing lineup.
As for props to watch out for in this game, keep an eye on the Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. and the Red Sox’s Xander Bogaerts. Both players have been red-hot at the plate recently and could be difference-makers in this game. Acuna Jr. leads the Braves in home runs and stolen bases, while Bogaerts is one of the top hitters in the Red Sox lineup.
Overall, this game has all the makings of a classic interleague matchup between two talented teams. With strong starting pitchers on both sides and potent offenses, fans can expect an exciting and competitive game that could go down to the wire. Be sure to tune in on June 5th to see which team comes out on top in this highly anticipated showdown.
