The Atlanta Braves travel to Progressive Field on Saturday, August 16, 2025, for a 7:10 PM ET interleague matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. With both teams chasing important wins in their respective playoff races, this mid-August battle carries significant implications for the standings.
See more detailed breakdowns in our MLB Picks section.
Team Analysis
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta’s potent offense remains one of the league’s most feared, led by Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley. Their power-heavy lineup is capable of changing the game in a single inning. Despite some inconsistency from the starting rotation, the Braves’ bullpen has stepped up in high-leverage situations.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians continue to play their brand of contact-heavy, fundamentally sound baseball. José Ramírez remains the centerpiece of the lineup, while Andrés Giménez and Josh Naylor bring run production and defensive reliability. Cleveland’s pitching depth has been a strength all season, helping them stay in contention.
Recent Form
- Braves: 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.9 runs per game.
- Guardians: 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.4 runs per game.
Pitching Matchup
| Team | Pitcher | Hand | W-L | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | Joey Wentz | LHP | 3-7 | 5.19 |
| Guardians | Slade Cecconi | RHP | 7-6 | 4.12 |
Joey Wentz (ATL) – A lefty with good movement but occasional control lapses. Wentz’s ability to get ahead in counts will be crucial against Cleveland’s disciplined lineup.
Slade Cecconi (CLE) – A young right-hander who attacks hitters with a balanced mix of fastballs and sliders. Cecconi has shown improved command this season, making him a reliable mid-rotation arm.
Key Players to Watch
- ATL: Ronald Acuña Jr. – MVP-caliber talent who can impact the game with power, speed, and defense.
- ATL: Matt Olson – A consistent power threat capable of clearing any ballpark.
- CLE: José Ramírez – One of baseball’s most dangerous switch-hitters.
- CLE: Josh Naylor – A clutch run producer with gap-to-gap power.
Prediction
Cleveland’s home-field advantage and more stable starting pitching point to them as the slight favorite, but the Braves’ power can’t be ignored. If Atlanta’s bullpen holds strong, this could turn into a tight, late-inning duel.
Final Score Prediction: Guardians 6, Braves 5
Best Bets
- Guardians Moneyline – Home edge and starting pitching matchup lean toward Cleveland.
- Over 9 Runs – Both offenses have the potential to break out.
- Ronald Acuña Jr. to Score a Run – His on-base skills and speed make this a high-value prop.
