Pirates vs. Braves: Game 2 prediction, odds, injuries, and picks May 10, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates swept the floor with the Atlanta Braves in the first game, winning it 3-2. Now they will look to run things back on Saturday as they are set to host Game 2 of the series at PNC Park with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET.

Atlanta is sitting at 18-20 while Pittsburgh is struggling at 13-26. AJ Smith-Shawver (R, 2-2, 3.00 ERA) will take the mound for the Braves while Andrew Heaney (L, 2-3, 3.18 ERA) will take the hill for the home team.

Pirates vs. Braves Game 2: Betting Odds

Moneyline: Braves -148, Pirates +126

Over/Under: 8.5 runs

Pirates vs. Braves Game 2: Injuries

Pirates injury report:

Spencer Horwitz, Thumb surgery, 10-day IL
Nick Gonzales, Fractured ankle (non-displaced), 10-day IL
Endy Rodríguez, Finger laceration (right index), 10-day IL
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Strained hamstring, 10-day IL
Enmanuel Valdez, Shoulder inflammation, 10-day IL
Johan Oviedo, Tommy John surgery, 60-day IL
Dauri Moreta, Tommy John surgery, 60-day IL
Jared Jones, Elbow discomfort, 60-day IL
Tim Mayza, Strained lat, 60-day IL
Justin Lawrence, Elbow inflammation, 60-day IL

Braves injury report:

Ronald Acuña Jr., Knee surgery (torn ACL), 10-day IL
Spencer Strider, Strained hamstring, 15-day IL
Joe Jiménez, Knee surgery (cartilage repair), 60-day IL
Nacho Alvarez Jr., Wrist inflammation, 60-day IL
Reynaldo López, Arthroscopic shoulder surgery, 60-day IL

Projected Lineups

Atlanta Braves

LF Alex Verdugo (L)
3B Austin Riley (R)
DH Marcell Ozuna (R)
1B Matt Olson (L)
2B Ozzie Albies (S)
C Sean Murphy (R)
RF Eli White (R)
CF Michael Harris II (L)
SS Nick Allen (R)

Pittsburgh Pirates

CF Oneil Cruz (L)
RF Bryan Reynolds (S)
DH Andrew McCutchen (R)
C Joey Bart (R)
3B Ke’Bryan Hayes (R)
1B Matt Gorski (R)
2B Adam Frazier (L)
LF Tommy Pham (R)
SS Jared Triolo (R)

Pirates vs. Braves Game 2: Prediction & Pick

Both teams are below .500, but the Braves have a better team on paper. Moreover, AJ Smith-Shawver has proven dependable and even though Atlanta's batting lineup may have struggled at times, it can break out at any moment. Pittsburgh's lack of big names and offensive struggles this season make it an easy prediction.

Final Score Prediction: Braves 6, Pirates 3

Best Bets:

Braves ML (-148)

Under 8.5 runs

Matt Olson to hit a home run

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by nagpaltusharn25