MLB matchup analysis
Braves vs Astros Prediction, Odds and Model Pick
Friday, September 18, 2026 at Daikin Park · 8:10 PM ET
Leo decision: Pass on Braves vs Astros
The case for Atlanta Braves
The case for Houston Astros
Why it is not official
Why the setup score is what it is
Why the price is what it is
Read the full model output
The combined Lab Rating did not clear the official threshold.
Game information
| Matchup | Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, September 18, 2026 |
| First pitch | 8:10 PM ET |
| Venue | Daikin Park |
| Starting pitchers | Tyler Mahle vs Peter Lambert |
| Weather | Game-time forecast: 83°F, 0% precipitation chance, 6 mph wind from SE. This venue has a roof, but the roof status is not confirmed. |
Starting pitcher matchup
Full Pitcher Matchup Tool →| Metric | Braves | Astros |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching plan | Traditional starter | Traditional starter |
| Expected innings | 5⅓ | 5⅓ |
| Throws | R | R |
| Leo pitcher score (higher is better) | 66 | 68 |
| ERA (lower is better) | 3.88 | 3.66 |
| WHIP (lower is better) | 1.24 | 1.21 |
| K/9 (higher is better) | 8.3 | 8.8 |
| K-BB% (higher is better) | 14.6% | 14.1% |
| K% (higher is better) | 22.3% | 23.1% |
| BB% (lower is better) | 7.7% | 9.0% |
| BB/9 (lower is better) | 2.8 | 3.4 |
| HR/9 (lower is better) | 1.2 | 0.9 |
| Ground-ball rate | 50.9% | 37.7% |
| Fly-ball rate | 49.1% | 62.3% |
Pitcher edge: Leo gives Peter Lambert a 2-point edge over Tyler Mahle, driven mainly by HR/9 (0.85 vs 1.16) and K/9 (8.8 vs 8.3).
How to read this: the scorecards above name the starters; every number lives in this table.
Strikeout Projections Full strikeout projections →
Same data source as the Pitcher Matchup Tool, where every starter on the slate is compared side by side.
Recent form
Full Stats page →Neither side is playing well. Braves are 4-6 in their last 10 and averaging 4.1 runs per game over the last 15 days; Astros are 4-6 in their last 10 and averaging 3.7 runs per game over the last 15 days. On the season Braves carry the better run differential per game (+0.73 against -0.33).
| Metric | Braves | Astros |
|---|---|---|
| Last 10 | 4-6 | 4-6 |
| Last 10 by venue (away team on the road, home team at home) | 5-5 on the road | 6-4 at home |
| OPS, last 15 days | 0.672 | 0.747 |
| wOBA, last 15 days (hot/cold read) | 0.296 | 0.324 |
| Runs per game, last 15 days | 4.1 | 3.7 |
| K% last 15 days (lower is better) | 21.0% | 22.3% |
Last 15 days only. Hot and cold streaks for all 30 teams live on the Stats page.
30-day offense
Full offense tool →| Last 30 days | Braves | Astros |
|---|---|---|
| OPS | 0.689 (-0.031 vs szn) | 0.703 (-0.022 vs szn) |
| Runs per game | 3.71 (-0.870 vs szn) | 3.71 (-0.708 vs szn) |
| wOBA (model offense input) | 0.304 (-0.012 vs szn) | 0.306 (-0.011 vs szn) |
| K% (lower is better) | 22.8% (+1.1% vs szn) | 23.4% (+1.7% vs szn) |
Over the last 30 days the Astros have been the better offense, 0.306 wOBA to 0.304. They are cooling off against their own season line (-0.011 wOBA).
Season profile
Full Stats page →| Metric | Braves | Astros |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 89-64 | 77-76 |
| Run differential / game (team quality) | +0.73 | -0.33 |
| Runs scored / game (offense, season) | 4.61 | 4.45 |
| Runs allowed / game (defense, season, lower better) | 3.89 | 4.78 |
| Season OPS | 0.721 | 0.725 |
| K% season (lower is better) | 21.7% | 21.7% |
| OPS vs opposing hand (season) | 0.735 | 0.731 |
Season-long team quality, not recent form. Run differential and run environment come from the season standings; splits for all 30 teams live on the Stats page, including the run environment table.
The Map
Full interactive map →Every team on today's slate, on any two axes you pick. Braves and Astros are highlighted.
Bullpen matchup
Full Bullpen Fatigue Index →Risk is what the model actually uses: fatigue blended with how well the pen has pitched. High fatigue with high efficiency is a tired pen that is still getting outs.
| Metric | Braves | Astros |
|---|---|---|
| Fatigue | 5.3/10, Normal | 8.8/10, High risk |
| Efficiency | 4.4/10, Below average | 5.3/10, Average |
| Combined risk | 5.6/10, Normal | 8.7/10, High risk |
| Relief innings, last 7 days | 22.3 | 32.0 |
| Back-to-back arms | 3 | 6 |
| 7-day ERA | 4.84 | 4.22 |
| 7-day WHIP | 1.43 | 1.06 |
Fatigue measures workload. Efficiency measures recent run prevention. Combined risk is what the moneyline and totals systems use.
Run total projection
Full Totals Projections →The model projects 2.3 runs below the market total. A research lean still requires a setup rating of at least 7.0/10. Team totals remain research-only until their graded sample is established.
More games today
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