Reynaldo Lopez and Ryne Nelson (Photo by Imagn Images)

Braves vs. Diamondbacks Game 1: Predictions, Picks & Odds, April 2

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 11:56 AM ET

Braves vs Diamondbacks: The Atlanta Braves commence a six-day road trip with a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The opening encounter begins at Chase Field on Thursday evening.

Atlanta is off to a strong start to the 2026 campaign with a 4-2 record heading into their first road trip of the year. They are coming into this clash on the back of a 5-1 win over the Athletics on Wednesday in the series decider. Arizona started the new season poorly, losing three straight games. However, they started their home campaign on a commanding note by sweeping the Detroit Tigers with a gritty 1-0 win to draw level for the year with a 3-3 record.

Next one vs braves #dbacks #mlb pic.twitter.com/b90ipkTplm
— DbacksHQ (@dbacksHQ) April 2, 2026

Braves vs. Diamondbacks Game 1: Starting Pitchers

Reynaldo Lopez will start on the mound for the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. The 32-year-old right-hander delivered a solid outing on his season debut against the Kansas City Royals after making just one appearance in 2025. He allowed just one run from three hits and a walk over 6.0 innings of work.

Ryne Nelson will make his second start of the year for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 1. The 28-year-old will be keen to make a strong comeback in this game after a terrible outing last week against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He got the hook after allowing four runs in 4.2 innings from three walks and two hits, with both of those going out of the park.

Braves vs. Diamondbacks Game 1: Betting Odds

	Spread	Total	Money Line
Braves	-1.5	O 8.5	-120
Diamondbacks	+1.5	U 8.5	+100

Braves vs. Diamondbacks Game 1: Batting Lineups

The Atlanta Braves’ offense looked in strong shape over the first week of the 2026 season, but Ronald Acuna Jr. is off to a slow start. Meanwhile, Mauricio Dubon, Mike Yastrzemski, and Dominic Smith have all begun well with their new team. Reigning Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin is leading the National League with three home runs.

Ketel Marte (Image Credits: Imagn)

The Arizona Diamondbacks are doing a decent job offensively, even though some of their main sluggers have not gotten out of the blocks well. Nolan Arenado, Ketel Marte, and Carlos Santana are among those struggling at the plate. Corbin Carroll and Jordan Lawlar have been the best hitters of the team so far.

Score Prediction: Braves 5, Diamondbacks 3

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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