Atlanta Braves vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 9/10/26, 8:31 AM  by Travis Pulver | Modified on 9/26/26 at 9:00 AM in MLB Picks

The Atlanta Braves (85-61, 48-26 Home) will try to avoid getting swept today when they host the Tampa Bay Rays (87-58, 40-33 Away) at Truist Park. First pitch in this battle of division leaders is set for 12:15 p.m. EST with coverage provided via ESPN Unlimited.

After losing 7-1 to the Rays on Tuesday and 7-2 to them yesterday, the Braves have lost three in a row and four of their last five. While they still lead the NL East, their lead over the Philadelphia Phillies is down to just three games. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, has won four of its last five games.

Martin Perez is scheduled to get the start for the Braves. Perez has gone 8-8 this season in 27 appearances (23 starts) with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Teams have been hitting just .227 against him. But he has been even better at home, going 5-4 in 15 appearances (12 starts), posting a 1.99 ERA and a .179 OBA.

As for the Rays, Tampa Bay is scheduled to go with Nick Martinez on the mound today. Martinez is having a solid season, posting a 14-4 record in 27 starts with a 3.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. Teams have been hitting .249 against him. He has often had his best stuff on the road, where he is 7-1 with a 2.15 ERA and a .229 OBA.