The Atlanta Braves have had some success this season vs. the MLB odds and they could be even more successful in the future when injured pitcher Jair Jurrjens returns. He was injured on April 29th when the Braves were losing vs. the MLB lines. Since that time the Braves have played very well and they lead the National League East.
MLB odds will likely favor Jurrjens when he returns. He is one of the best pitchers in the National League and he should give the Braves a boost. The Braves have had a lot of success since the injury to Jurrjens but to win the division and make the playoffs they need their best pitcher to return. Jurrjens gave up two runs on five hits with four walks in 2-2/3 innings against Durham on Monday in a rehab start. He is expected to make at least one more rehab start before returning to Atlanta.
Jurrjens was 0-3 with a 6.38 ERA in five April starts with Atlanta. Those are not the type of numbers that the Braves are accustomed to seeing from their ace. The Braves have been able to replace Jurrjens with Kris Medlen who has pitched very well. He has gone 3-0 with a 3.59 ERA in seven starts. Atlanta has won six of his seven starts vs. the MLB odds.
Atlanta’s pitching staff has been very good overall. Even Kenshin Kawakami has been solid lately, allowing three or fewer runs in five of his past six starts. Getting Jurrjens back would seem like excellent news for the Braves but they will have to change their rotation. The Braves will likely move either Medlen or Kawakami to the bullpen. That could happen within the next few days as Jurrjens is set to return to the starting rotation.
The Braves have been excellent at home vs. the MLB odds. They have one of the best home records in the league. Their road record has them just below the .500 mark which is not too bad considering all of their success at Turner Field. They may need to improve their road mark a little bit though if they expect to stay on top vs. the MLB lines in the National League East.