MLB Game Preview: New York Yankees (53-43) vs. Atlanta Braves (42-53)

Game Details

• Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
• Time: 7:15 PM ET
• Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
• Watch: MLB Network, YES, Bally Sports South

Team Form & Momentum

New York Yankees – Powerhouse Offense

• 5–2 in last 7 games before All-Star break
• Lead MLB in home runs (151), slugging percentage (.455), and OPS
• Aaron Judge (.355 AVG, 35 HR, 81 RBI) ranks top 2 in all major offensive categories
• Cody Bellinger (.282 AVG, 16 HR) and Paul Goldschmidt (.287 AVG) provide veteran depth
• Yankees are 23–24 on the road, but 20–13 in interleague play

Atlanta Braves – Searching for Consistency

• 3–7 in last 10 games, including a loss to the Cardinals before the break
• 24–22 home record at Truist Park
• Spencer Strider (3–7, 3.94 ERA) starts; 74 K in 61.2 IP, .215 opponent batting average
• Matt Olson (17 HR, 61 RBI) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (.323 AVG, 12 HR) lead the lineup
• Braves rank 21st in MLB in batting average (.243) and 24th in runs scored

Key Stats & Betting Trends

• Yankees have hit the Over in 8 of last 10 games
• Braves are 2–8 ATS in last 10 games
• Yankees are 6–4 ATS in last 10 games
• Strider has pitched 5+ innings in 8 straight starts

Player Spotlight

Aaron Judge (Yankees)

• .355 AVG, 35 HR, 81 RBI
• Leads MLB in OPS (1.194) and total bases (258)
• 26.3% barrel rate, 56.7% hard-hit rate

Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves)

• .323 AVG, 12 HR, 22 RBI
• 52.3% hard-hit rate, .407 xwOBA
• 45.0% fly ball rate, 30.3% pull rate