Atlanta Braves vs San Diego Padres Picks and Predictions May 23rd 2025

Ronald Acuna Jr. Returns as Braves Host Struggling Padres

Friday night’s series opener between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres at Truist Park carries a bit more excitement than your average late-May MLB matchup. That’s because Ronald Acuna Jr. is back—and Braves fans couldn’t be more thrilled.

The reigning NL MVP is set to make his return to the lineup after nearly a year away, recovering from an ACL tear in his left knee. He’s joining a Braves team eager to bounce back after a tough road swing and ready to face a Padres squad reeling from six straight losses.

Let’s dig into the full preview, from Acuna’s rehab to the pitching duel, and what to watch for in a high-stakes NL showdown.

Acuna’s Comeback: A Boost the Braves Desperately Need

Ronald Acuna Jr.’s road back to the big leagues has been methodical and focused. After tearing his ACL on May 26, 2024, and undergoing surgery shortly after, he spent nearly 12 months grinding through rehab. His recent minor league stint shows he’s ready: a .400 average (6-for-15), two homers, and two doubles across six games between Class-A and Triple-A.

Braves manager Brian Snitker said it best:
“It’ll be good, he feels ready and that’s great.”

And it’s not just about numbers. Acuna brings swagger, speed, and leadership—something the Braves have sorely missed. His 2023 stat line (.337 AVG, 41 HR, 73 SB) is still fresh in fans’ minds, and his return couldn’t be better timed.

Curious how his return might affect betting lines? Check our MLB Odds Page for up-to-date spreads and player props.

Braves Look to Rebound from Rain-Shortened Road Trip

Atlanta enters the series on the heels of a brief but soggy road set in Washington, where they dropped both games. It wasn’t the kind of reset the team had hoped for after struggling against San Diego to start the year.

Yes, these two teams have already met—back in early April when the Padres swept a four-game set in San Diego, helping launch a 7-0 start. The Braves, meanwhile, stumbled to an 0-7 opening stretch. Now it’s payback time in Atlanta.

Keep track of the latest updates with the Braves team page.

Chris Sale: The Ace Awakens

Chris Sale is beginning to look like, well, Chris Sale again. The veteran lefty enters Friday’s game with a 2-3 record and 3.62 ERA, but those numbers only tell part of the story.

Over his last six appearances, Sale has posted a 2.02 ERA, 48 strikeouts, and just 11 walks across 35 2/3 innings. He’s been efficient, nasty, and durable—something Braves fans have been waiting to see for a while.

His last start? A seven-inning gem against the Red Sox where he gave up just one run and fanned eight.

Manager Snitker noted,
“From the first inning, you could tell there was a little something special.”

That’s high praise, and he’ll need to be just as sharp against a Padres lineup that, while slumping, still has dangerous hitters.

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Padres in a Freefall

San Diego rolls into Atlanta with zero momentum. After a three-game sweep in Toronto, they’ve now dropped six straight and scored just nine runs during the skid. They were shut out in two of three games in Canada, only breaking through in Thursday’s 11-inning 7-6 loss.

What’s wrong? Nearly everything offensively—except Luis Arraez.

Arraez Shines Amid the Slump

The veteran second baseman has quietly put together a nine-game hitting streak, raising his average to .304. In Thursday’s game, he notched his 15th multi-hit game of the season.

Arraez stays humble, saying:
“This is a difficult game, but like I always say, it’s not impossible.”

That mindset has made him a lone bright spot in an otherwise cold lineup.

You can track Arraez and the Padres’ stats live at our MLB Team Page.

Nick Pivetta Takes the Hill for San Diego

Nick Pivetta will get the ball for the Padres, and he’s had a strong season so far. He’s 5-2 with a 2.86 ERA and is coming off a solid six-inning outing against Seattle where he allowed just two hits and one walk.

Pivetta has a long history against the Braves:

• 22 appearances
• 18 starts
• 9-5 record
• 4.61 ERA

His most recent showdown with Atlanta was dominant—a seven-inning, one-hit shutout back on March 30.

Which version of Pivetta will show up on Friday?

For insights on how this might shape your picks, visit our Expert Betting Guide.

What to Watch in Braves vs Padres

This matchup is a classic duel of experienced arms. Sale’s slider vs. Pivetta’s fastball command could be the deciding factor, especially with both offenses in a funk.

Acuna’s Impact

How Acuna Jr. performs in his return will set the tone. If he’s even close to last year’s form, the Braves could quickly climb back into contention in the NL.

Padres’ Response

Can the Padres rally behind Arraez, or will their slump deepen? A series loss in Atlanta could signal bigger changes on the horizon.

FAQs

Why is Ronald Acuna Jr.’s return so significant?
He’s the reigning NL MVP and brings power, speed, and leadership. Atlanta has missed that spark.

How has Chris Sale been pitching lately?
Sale has a 2.02 ERA over his last six starts and is coming off a dominant seven-inning performance.

What’s wrong with the Padres’ offense?
They’ve been struggling to score, with just nine runs in their last six games. Only Luis Arraez has been consistent at the plate.

Who’s pitching for the Padres on Friday?
Nick Pivetta, who is 5-2 with a 2.86 ERA, will start. He recently pitched seven shutout innings against the Braves.

What’s Atlanta’s record against San Diego this year?
The Padres swept the Braves in a four-game series to open the season.

Where can I get predictions for this game?
Head to the MLB Picks Page for game analysis, predictions, and betting tips.