Arizona Diamondbacks vs Atlanta Braves Picks and Predictions April 26th 2025

Atlanta Looks to Stay Hot Behind Grant Holmes

The Atlanta Braves will try to keep their momentum rolling and secure a series win when they face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second game of their three-game set on Saturday night.

After Friday’s 8-2 victory, Atlanta (17-9) has won five of its last six games and continues to get contributions across the roster. Chris Sale picked up his first win of the season with a gritty performance, escaping early trouble and allowing just two runs over six innings.

“Just happy that Chris broke the egg,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “It will be good for his psyche to get his first win. I’m happy for him to get that behind him.”

Eight different Braves either scored or recorded a hit, with Austin Riley and Eli White both driving in two runs. Atlanta’s offense, which sputtered at times earlier this month, seems to be returning to its spring training form.

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Merrill Kelly Tries to Steady Arizona

The Diamondbacks (14-14) have lost three straight games and five of their last seven. Manager Torey Lovullo is trying to navigate an injury-riddled bullpen, forcing Arizona to lean heavily on its starters.

Merrill Kelly (3-1, 4.73 ERA) will take the mound Saturday, looking to bounce back after leaving his last start with a cramp in his right leg. Kelly had retired 16 straight batters against the Cubs before exiting and has a solid track record against Atlanta, posting a 3.67 ERA across four career starts.

Austin Riley has been particularly effective against Kelly, going 4-for-9 with two doubles and a home run.

Arizona called up reliever Yilber Diaz from Triple-A Reno to bolster its bullpen, but the staff remains thin with Justin Martinez nursing a shoulder issue and Jalen Beeks recovering from a forearm contusion.

“We’re in a spot right now where there are some moving pieces,” Lovullo said. “The puzzle is changing a little bit.”

Grant Holmes Takes the Ball for Braves

Grant Holmes (2-1, 3.22 ERA) will counter for Atlanta. The right-hander has picked up wins over Toronto and Minnesota in his last two starts, allowing only four runs over 13 1/3 innings. Holmes faced the Diamondbacks twice in relief last season, tossing 4 1/3 scoreless frames.

This is an opportunity for Holmes to further cement his spot in the rotation as the Braves continue to weather injuries and early-season challenges.

Fans tracking MLB Expert Picks are keeping a close eye on this matchup, as the Braves look to capitalize on Arizona’s bullpen troubles and continue their home-field dominance.