MLB Baseball
2026-08-04 - Miami Marlins at Atlanta Braves
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States : Major League Baseball
Tuesday 4th August 2026 - Scheduled 7:15pm EST
12:15am (British Time)
Preview
They have the third most wins in the National League into August, but the Atlanta Braves (67-45) did not make the kind of trades that would have pushed them into any discussion about potential World Series Champions. Despite that, there is still going to be plenty of belief within the organisation and the moves made just keeps Atlanta looking like a solid outfit, even if they are not going to get the attention that others have after the trade deadline passed.
Unlike some teams, who have been accused of 'cowardice', the Miami Marlins (58-55) have done some sensible business.
There has been some focus on 2027, but they have held onto key pieces of the roster that can help push for a Playoff place in 2026 and the Marlins are only 2 games out of the Wild Card places after winning six of the last seven games played.
A formal starter has yet to be announced with the roster changes made at the deadline, but Miami could plan to begin this Divisional series with an opener. That would likely be Ryan Gusto who has a 0-2 record and 5.31 ERA in thirteen appearances in 2026 and eight of those have been in a starter role.
Ryan Gusto has not tended to be asked to go too deep into his starts, but did complete 5 Innings when allowing six runs to the Philadelphia Phillies most recently. However, the confident Miami hitters made sure Gusto did not factor into the decision in that outing and the pitcher will be facing the Atlanta Braves for the second time after absorbing a decision loss to them last season.
The Braves will be going with Grant Holmes who has a 6-4 record and 3.88 ERA in twenty-one appearances this season. All but one of those have been in starts and Grant Holmes concluded July with a 2-0 record and 3.65 ERA from five starts made.
Earlier this season, Grant Holmes allowed three runs in 4 Innings thrown against the Miami Marlins, but he did not factor into the decision. That means Grant Holmes now has a 1-0 record and 3.93 ERA from four career starts against the Marlins and this is a third year pitcher who has found a pretty consistent level.
Atlanta have won five of the seven season meetings between these National League East rivals, including the last three in a row.
Prediction
Trade decisions made will mean a slight shift will be needed within these two teams, although both Atlanta and Miami are playing with the confidence of racking up wins in recent days.
The Braves and Marlins both have some questions about the starting pitcher- Grant Holmes has been solid enough for Atlanta, while the Miami Marlins are likely going to be using a bullpen game.
The slight edge may be with Holmes to lay a stronger foundation and Atlanta have won five in a row to really build up a lead in this Division. They can extend that in the opening game of this series as teams really begin to focus on the run towards the post-season with the trade deadline now in the rearview mirror.
The Pick :
Atlanta Braves 6-4 Miami Marlins
