The New York Yankees will play against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday, July 18, 2025. The game starts at 7:15 PM, and it will be aired on MLBN. The weather forecast predicts a very hot day with a clear sky and a light breeze.
The Yankees, managed by Aaron Boone, have a record of 53-43 this season. They are 2 games behind in the AL East. The Braves, led by Brian Snitker, hold a 42-53 record and are 12 games behind in the NL East. Spencer Strider will start for the Braves, while the Yankees’ starter is yet to be announced.
Yankees vs Braves Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves
- Venue: Truist Park in Atlanta, GA
- Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
- Betting Odds: Yankees Moneyline -110, Braves Moneyline -110, Yankees Runline -1.5 (+150), Braves Runline +1.5 (-185), Total Over 8.5 (-105), Total Under 8.5 (-115)
The Yankees Can Win If…
The New York Yankees are gearing up for their next game with a strong lineup. Despite a recent 1-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs, Giancarlo Stanton made an impact with a home run. Aaron Judge, with a batting average of .355 and 35 home runs this season, remains a key player for the Yankees.
The Yankees have shown they can hit well, leading the league in on-base percentage and slugging percentage. They have hit 151 home runs this season, ranking them first in the league. This power at the plate gives them a good chance to score runs and win games.
On the mound, the Yankees have a solid pitching staff. They rank first in batting average against, limiting opponents to a .224 average. With 859 strikeouts this season, their pitchers are capable of shutting down opposing lineups, providing another way for the Yankees to secure a win.
The Braves Can Win If…
In their most recent game, the Atlanta Braves lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4. Despite the loss, the Braves had nine hits with standout performances from Michael Harris II and Jurickson Profar. Matt Olson also contributed with two hits and three RBIs, showing his ability to drive in runs.
The Braves have a solid lineup with players like Ronald Acuña Jr., who holds a batting average of .323. Their team stats are strong in walks, ranking 10th, and they are also 13th in home runs with 105. These stats indicate their potential to score runs and get on base.
Spencer Strider will start for the Braves, bringing an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.17. The Braves’ pitching staff is ranked 5th in batting average against, holding opponents to a .234 average. With their strong pitching and capable hitters, the Braves have a chance to win against the Yankees.
The Lean
The Yankees and Braves are evenly matched with both moneyline odds at -110. The Yankees have a stronger offense with top rankings in batting average and home runs. My model projects the Yankees to win with a score of 5-4, making them the pick for the moneyline.
The total for this game is set at 8.5, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. Both teams have solid pitching, but the Yankees’ offensive edge suggests more runs. My model projects a total of 9 runs, so the recommendation is to take the over.
Yankees and Braves Open Second Half on Different Paths
The second half of the season begins with a clash of two historic franchises who find themselves in vastly different situations. The confident New York Yankees, firmly in the playoff picture, will visit an Atlanta Braves team that is simply looking to find some answers after a difficult first half. The three-game interleague series kicks off on Friday night in Atlanta.
A Confident Clubhouse in the Bronx
The Yankees entered the All-Star break feeling good, having won five of their last seven games to sit just two games out of first place in the AL East. They boast the best offense in the American League, powered by an MVP and Triple Crown-caliber season from superstar Aaron Judge. Manager Aaron Boone believes his team is ready for a championship push.
“I sit here very convinced that we have a really good club with tremendous capabilities,” Boone said. “Now we get to go hopefully make it happen here the rest of the way in the second half.”
A “Tough First Half” in Atlanta
While the Yankees are optimistic, the Braves are frustrated. They are 11 games under .500 and have been decimated by injuries to their pitching staff, including long-term losses of aces Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach.
“It’s been a tough first half and that’s probably understating everything,” said manager Brian Snitker. “We’ve got to look for positives.”

The Strider Factor
The biggest positive for the Braves is their starting pitcher for Friday’s game. Ace Spencer Strider (3-7, 3.94 ERA) is finally rounding into his dominant form after returning from his own major injury. He has a 2.95 ERA over his last six starts and is coming off an 11-strikeout performance. His return to form is a key topic in our expert betting guide.
The Pitching Matchup
While the Braves will send their ace to the mound, the Yankees have not yet officially named a starter for the series opener. The matchup between Strider and the Yankees’ powerful lineup will be the key focus on the scores and odds board. For two MLB teams with different second-half goals, this series is a crucial tone-setter. To see who our experts are backing, check out our daily MLB picks.