The Arizona Diamondbacks are taking a pretty big gamble on Saturday when they trot a rookie out to the mound in the middle of a playoff race. <\/p>\n
MLB Betting \u2013 Diamondbacks vs Braves Preview & Pick<\/strong> Arizona Diamondbacks (69-54 through August 17)<\/strong> It\u2019s not like Wade Miley is the next Max Scherzer or Tommy Hanson. He was 4-1 with a pedestrian 3.64 ERA at Triple-A Reno. But Jason Marquis broke his leg after getting hit by a line drive on Sunday and someone needs to replace him. So, with the D-backs battling for the National League West lead and posturing for the Wild Card, Miley will make his first career start against Atlanta.<\/p>\n Miley hasn\u2019t been overpowering in his minor-league career but his strikeout rate has risen above a batter per inning at Triple-A. And he\u2019ll at least have the support of an Arizona team that had won seven of eight through Wednesday. Justin Upton continues to lead the charge, putting it all together this year with a .303 average, 25 homers, 75 RBI and 18 steals.<\/p>\n Atlanta Braves (72-52 through August 17)<\/strong> The Braves are going about it differently than they did earlier this season, no longer relying solely on pitching, but they\u2019re still winning enough to remain atop the NL Wildcard standings. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n They key has obviously been Dan Uggla. The second baseman is batting .393 with seven homers and 15 RBI in 15 August games.<\/p>\n Uggla\u2019s explosion is good news for rookie pitcher Brandon Beachy. He\u2019s still showing all the signs of becoming a star but he hasn\u2019t gone deep in games of late and teams are figuring him out ever so slightly. He has a 4.24 ERA in August; his mark was 3.72 or lower in every other month this season.<\/p>\n Over is 7-1 in ARI last 8 Fri. games. Arizona\u2019s bats could pose some trouble for a flyball pitcher like Beachy. However, the D-Backs haven\u2019t faced him yet, so he could just as easily baffle them with his power arsenal.<\/p>\n Atlanta hasn\u2019t faced Miley, either \u2013 but Miley hasn\u2019t faced anyone. He has a tall order pitching on the road against an elite team in his first career start, especially when his numbers suggest he isn\u2019t even really ready for a callup. I think the Braves will beat him up.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Saturday, August 20, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Turner Field, Atlanta, GA
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>FSAZ, FSS
\nArizona Diamondbacks at Atlanta Braves Betting Lines from BetOnline.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Braves -115<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 7.5<\/strong>
\n CLICK here for INDEPTH MLB ATS Stats for this matchup —><\/strong><\/a>
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\nWade Miley (No record)<\/p>\n
\nBrandon Beachy (5-2, 3.43)<\/p>\nMLB Trends<\/h3>\n
\nARI are 7-2 in their last 9 overall.
\nARI are 7-2 in their last 9 games on grass.
\nOver is 7-2 in ATL last 9 on grass.
\nOver is 12-4 in ATL last 16 overall.
\nATL are 8-3 in their last 11 overall.
\nOver is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.<\/p>\nMLB Free pick: <\/h3>\n