Overview
The Atlanta Braves face the Miami Marlins in the second game of a three-game series on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 6:40 PM EDT at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The Braves are coming off a game against the Marlins on August 25, where they were tied 0-0 at the end of the third inning, while the Marlins are looking to build on their recent 5-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on August 24. The Marlins lead the 2025 season series 6-2, including a 6-2 victory on June 20. This NL East matchup is crucial for the Braves to regain ground in the division and for the Marlins to maintain their series dominance. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now!
Team Analysis
Atlanta Braves
- 2025 Record (as of August 24): 59-71, 4th in NL East
- Performance Overview: The Braves are 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.4 runs/game with a .244 batting average and a 4.12 ERA. Marcell Ozuna’s 30 HRs and Michael Harris II’s .260 BA lead the offense, but injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr. (OF, knee), AJ Smith-Shawver (SP, elbow), and Spencer Strider (SP, hamstring) challenge their depth.
- Strengths: Power hitting (144 HRs, 17th in MLB) and a 5-0 record against the spread in their last five road games.
- Weaknesses: Poor road record (26-38) and inconsistent pitching (4.12 ERA in last 10 games).
- Player to Watch: Marcell Ozuna (DH) – His .295 BA, 30 HRs, 85 RBI, and two homers in the August 9 doubleheader sweep make him a key power threat.
Miami Marlins
- 2025 Record (as of August 24): 61-69, 3rd in NL East
- Performance Overview: The Marlins are 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.3 runs/game with a .250 batting average and a 4.05 ERA. Jake Burger’s 25 HRs and Xavier Edwards’ .288 BA drive the offense, but injuries to Derek Hill (OF, wrist), Max Meyer (SP, hip), and Braxton Garrett (SP, elbow) weaken their roster.
- Strengths: Solid batting average (.250, 10th in MLB) and a 2-1 record against the spread at home vs. the Braves this season.
- Weaknesses: Limited power (127 HRs, 25th in MLB) and a 3-7 record in their last 10 games.
- Player to Watch: Jake Burger (3B) – His .250 BA, 25 HRs, and .300 BA with a homer in his last 5 games make him a dangerous hitter, though he’s questionable with a wrist injury.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Marlins lead the 2025 season series 6-2, with wins including a 6-2 victory on June 20 (Agustín Ramírez’s three-run homer) and a 5-3 win on June 21. The Braves swept a doubleheader on August 9 (7-1, 8-6), with Ozuna and Harris II combining for three homers.
- Recent Encounter: On August 9, the Braves won 7-1 in the first game of a doubleheader, with Hurston Waldrep’s six strong innings and Harris II’s three-run homer.
- Key Insight: The Marlins’ early-season edge has faded, with the Braves’ power bats exploiting Miami’s depleted pitching in recent games.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | Max Fried (LHP) | 8-8 | 3.62 | 150.1 | 134 | 1.22 |
| Marlins | Valente Bellozo (RHP) | 3-3 | 4.50 | 52.0 | 41 | 1.33 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Max Fried (Braves):
- Strengths: Reliable 3.62 ERA, 8.0 K/9, and a 2.84 ERA in his last 3 starts (19 IP, 6 ER). His curveball-sinker mix induces groundballs (48.7% GB rate), effective against Miami’s contact hitters.
- Negatives: Struggles on the road (4.10 ERA) could be targeted by Edwards and Ramírez’s contact hitting.
- Valente Bellozo (Marlins):
- Strengths: Decent 4.50 ERA, 7.1 K/9, and a 3.86 ERA in his last 3 starts (14 IP, 6 ER). His fastball-changeup combo can limit hard contact (.240 BA allowed).
- Negatives: Limited innings (5.2 per start) and a 5.40 ERA at home could be exploited by Ozuna and Matt Olson’s power.
Key Players to Monitor
- Atlanta Braves:
- Marcell Ozuna (DH): .295 BA, 30 HRs, two homers in the August 9 doubleheader.
- Michael Harris II (CF): .260 BA, 12 HRs, three-run homer in the August 9 win.
- Matt Olson (1B): .231 BA, 20 HRs, hitting .280 in last 5 games.
- Miami Marlins:
- Jake Burger (3B): .250 BA, 25 HRs, .300 BA in last 5 games (questionable, wrist).
- Xavier Edwards (SS): .288 BA, 31 RBI, .310 BA in last 7 games.
- Agustín Ramírez (C): .260 BA, three-run homer in the June 20 win.
Recent Performance
- Atlanta Braves: At 59-71, the Braves are 5-5 in their last 10, scoring 44 runs while allowing 41, with their power bats driving wins but pitching inconsistent on the road.
- Miami Marlins: At 61-69, the Marlins are 4-6 in their last 10, scoring 43 runs and allowing 45, with their offense showing flashes but pitching struggling.
Critical Factors
- Venue: loanDepot park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions (3.80 park ERA) favor Fried’s groundball tendencies, but Ozuna and Burger’s power could break through.
- Weather: Indoors, ensuring consistent conditions for a competitive game.
- Momentum: The Marlins’ 6-2 series lead contrasts with the Braves’ recent doubleheader sweep, giving Atlanta momentum despite their road struggles.
- Betting Odds: Braves favored at -150, with over/under at 8.0, reflecting Fried’s edge and offensive potential.
Prediction
The Atlanta Braves hold a clear edge in this matchup, driven by Max Fried’s 3.62 ERA and strong groundball tendencies compared to Valente Bellozo’s 4.50 ERA and home struggles (5.40 ERA). The Marlins’ contact hitters, led by Edwards and Ramírez, could challenge Fried’s road inconsistencies, but the Braves’ power bats, sparked by Ozuna and Harris II, should overpower Bellozo. Atlanta’s bullpen, with Raisel Iglesias, will likely secure the win to narrow the series gap.
Final Prediction: Atlanta Braves win, 5-3. Ozuna drives in 2 runs, and Fried pitches six quality innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Atlanta Braves (-150) – Fried’s reliability and the Braves’ power make them a strong pick.
- Under 8.0 Runs – loanDepot park’s pitcher-friendly setup and Fried’s groundball tendency suggest a lower-scoring game.
- Marcell Ozuna to Record an RBI (+125) – His 30 HRs and .295 BA offer strong value against Bellozo.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 24, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on FDSFL or FDSSO.
