Baseball Betting Odds – Nationals vs Braves

After a two month layoff, Jair Jurrjens makes his long awaited return to the mound for Atlanta.

But will it be enough to push the Braves past the Nationals in Wednesday night’s betting odds?

Jurrjens came into this season as one of the up and coming pitchers in baseball, after a spectacular 2009 season that saw him secure 14 wins with an impressive 2.60 ERA.

However it’s safe to say that 2010 has been a struggle, as his current record stands at 0-3, with the 24-year-old righty sporting a 6.03 ERA. Jurrjens hasn’t pitched since April 29 because of a hamstring injury.

Washington Nationals (34-44 SU, 42-36 R/L, 31-44-3 O/U) at
Atlanta Braves (45-33 SU, 40-38 R/L, 38-35-5 O/U)

Wednesday, June 30: 7:10 p.m.

Baseball Betting Odds:

Washington: +1 ½, -135, +155 (J.D. Martin-R)

Atlanta: -1 ½, +115, -175 (Jair Jurrjens-R)

Total Runs:

Over 9: -115

Under 9: -105

This will be just his sixth start of the season.

Opposing Jurrjens on the mound, will be little known righty J.D. Martin. With all the focus on Stephen Strasburg in this rotation, many baseball bettors have probably never even heard of Martin, but so far he’s been effective in limited appearances.

His current record stands at 0-3, but Martin is also sporting just a 3.03 ERA, meaning that if anything, he’ll be able to keep his team in this game.

As for these two teams offenses, the clear advantage goes to Atlanta. The Braves have one of the deepest and most talented lineup’s in the game, thanks to a nice mix of veterans and youngsters.

Second baseman Martin Prado leads this team with a .334 batting average, while Troy Glaus has belted 14 home runs. Chipper Jones, Melky Cabrera and Brian McCann add a veteran presence.

The Nationals on the other hand are really struggling with the sticks as of late. While they do get big home run production from the middle of their lineup (Adam Dunn, Ryan Zimmerman and Josh Willingham have combined for 44 on the season), there just isn’t the depth in Washington needed to compete.

There isn’t a single regular starter in this lineup hitting over .300, with several including Dunn and centerfielder Nyjer Morgan batting below .275.

With the struggles of the Nationals lineup and the return of Jurrjens to the bump, there’s plenty of reason to back the Braves in your Wednesday night baseball bet.

Yes, there are still questions about Jurrjens, but he did pitch well in his minor league rehab starts, and there’s no doubt that after two months off he’ll be ready to go.

Expect him to pitch well into this start, and the Braves offense to do the rest.

Take Atlanta in a comfortable run line victory.

Aaron’s Pick: Braves -1 ½, +115