Athletics vs Atlanta Braves Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 7/8/25, 6:36 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 7/24/25 at 11:15 PM in MLB Picks

Not even Acuña's electric return could help the Braves reverse their losing start to the year. Atlanta has a 39-50 record, still with a slim margin of turning things around, but they should start by beating the Athletics in the series they begin in Sacramento starting Tuesday.

The Braves have navigated more than half of the 2025 season without Acuña or Strider, and when they returned, they were hit with the unfortunate long-term injuries of Sale, due to a broken rib, Schwellenbach due to an elbow injury, and Smith-Shawver. In other words, Braves manager Brian Snitker suffered a nearly fatal blow to his starting rotation due to injuries alone.

That's why Didier Fuentes will be the Braves' starter for the Sacramento Series, who will have another series after his first in July against the Angels, in which he allowed 2 ER.

The Athletics are coming off a series loss to the Giants in Sacramento.