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Blake Snell returns to the big leagues as the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night.
Snell gives the Boys in Blue a boost, so I’m backing the home team with my Braves vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 9.
Who will win Braves vs Dodgers today: Dodgers moneyline (-170)
Both starting pitchers are in a similar situation in that they’re recently returning from a prolonged stay on the injured list, and they’ve both been among the league’s best arms when on top of their game. Only one has a favorable outlook, however.
Blake Snell nearly always pitches at an elite level when healthy, so he should be his usual dominant self in a pitch-count shortened appearance today.
There are major red flags with Spencer Strider, who allowed nine baserunners in 3 1/3 innings in his 2026 debut. His stuff wasn’t there (84 Stuff+), a worrying trend since he was last effective in 2023.
Covers
COVERS INTEL:
In his 2026 debut, Strider’s average fastball velocity (94.6 mph) was down a tick from a year ago (95.4 mph), and several ticks from his peak (98.1 mph).
Braves vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-115)
These are two potent offenses playing in weather ripe for hitting. It’ll be 78 degrees at the time of first pitch, with winds of eight mph blowing out to dead center.
The Atlanta Braves have scored more runs (214) than any team other than the Cubs, whereas the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the majors in wRC+ (124) against right-handed pitching.
Nothing about Strider’s current status indicates he can hold down a star-studded Dodgers lineup. While Snell is an ace, he’ll be on a significant pitch count after tossing 55 pitches in his last rehab start.
JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
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ML/RL bets: 11-10, -0.43 units
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Over/Under bets: 15-7, +7.64 units
Braves vs Dodgers odds
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Moneyline: Braves +146 | Dodgers -174
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Run line: Braves +1.5 | Dodgers -1.5
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Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Braves vs Dodgers trend
The Dodgers are 8-0 in their last eight home games against the Braves. Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Braves vs Dodgers and game info
Location
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Saturday, May 9, 2026
First pitch
9:10 p.m. ET
TV
BravesVision, SportsNet LA
Braves starting pitcher
Spencer Strider
(0-0, 8.10 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher
Blake Snell
(2025: 5-4, 2.35 ERA)
Braves vs Dodgers latest injuries
Braves vs Dodgers weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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