Braves vs. Padres Predictions, Picks, Odds & Starting Pitchers: Today, 3/29

Among today’s full first Saturday of MLB action is a featured doubleheader on FOX. Based on preseason expectations, one of those is one that we may see when it matters most in the fall. While there are months and months before we focus on that, we’ve broken down our Braves vs. Padres predictions for today.
You’ll also be able to enjoy this featured, prime time game with a best bet from our Braves vs. Padres picks PLUS a guaranteed $200 DraftKings Sportsbook sign up bonus!
Braves vs. Padres Predictions For MLB on FOX, 3/29
Just like Opening Day, it didn’t take long for these teams to get the scoring started. After three first inning runs on Thursday, Fernando Tatis led off last night's game with a home run. It also led to the Padres getting the win again to start the season 2-0.
Let’s also not forget that’s how the Braves season ended last season - with San Diego sweeping them in the Wild Card Round. Atlanta’s hopes of getting revenge in terms of winning this season-opening series are already over, but they would certainly still prefer not to start the season 0-3.
The Braves vs. Padres odds suggest that they won’t, but will the best bet from our Braves vs. Padres predictions?
Atlanta Braves: Profar Provides A Spark
Not only was this a playoff series rematch heading into it, but it’s also a reunion for Jurickson Profar. The former Padre turned Braves left fielder didn’t get to ease into things at all against his former team, as he’s batting leadoff for Atlanta right now.
While he may not be leading off the SportsCenter highlights, he’s still been able to record both a hit and a run in each of the first two games, and he’s going to need to keep producing to help Atlanta get in the win column. With huge bats like Austin Riley and Matt Olson hitting right behind him, just getting on base should be the name of the game.
San Diego Padres: Starting 3-0
Entering the 2025 MLB season, there was just one division that had an absolutely massive favorite to win it - the NL West. Of course, the Padres are no stranger to seeing the Los Angeles Dodgers treated as the big brother of the SoCal teams, but they’re looking to change that this season.
Not only would starting 3-0 be great for San Diego, but perhaps it would further light a fire under the Braves for their next series, which is indeed against the Dodgers. Regardless, it’s going to be a tough task with Randy Vasquez on the mound, who lost his start against Atlanta during a shaky rookie season last year.
How To Watch MLB Opening Week Today
Outside of the MLB on FOX doubleheader today, the games will be featured on the teams’ respective regional sports network. As for how to watch Braves vs. Padres specifically…
- Where: Petco Park in San Diego, California
- When: 7:15 PM ET on 3/29
- Watch on TV: FOX
- Where to stream: Fubo, MLB.TV
Braves vs. Padres Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
As mentioned, the Braves vs. Padres odds at DraftKings Sportsbook suggest that Atlanta will finally get in the win column:
- Run Line: Atlanta Braves -1.5 (+124) vs. San Diego Padres +1.5 (-148)
- Money Line: Atlanta Braves (-142) vs. San Diego Padres (+120)
- Game Total (Over/Under): Over 8 (-118) vs. Under 8 (-102)
Braves vs. Padres Best Bet: Atlanta Money Line (-142 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
Not only do the odds suggest it, but so too does the best bet from our Braves vs. Padres predictions. We also expect Atlanta to avoid starting 0-3, and although they’re favored, it’s not so much so that it’s a price we don’t see value in.
If you’d prefer a different approach for a bit better odds, we’d also suggest taking the over, perhaps even the first five innings over given how fast these teams have come out of the gates. That should only continue tonight given the pitching matchup, and seeing the increased total by a full run implies that as well.
That was also the case in the aforementioned Randy Vasquez loss to the Braves last season. It was a mid-July series that Atlanta won 6-3. It didn’t have today’s starter on the other side of the game - Spencer Schwellenbach - but he too faced San Diego in that series.
It came two days earlier, which was a 6-1 win for the Braves. This is also a matchup where we see a big game for Matt Olson for those that may want to attack the player prop markets for their Braves vs. Padres picks. He was held hitless last night after drawing three walks on Opening Day, so this feels like his spot to match Marcell Ozuna’s early success.
Whether you isolate Matt Olson or just back Atlanta overall with us, the best bet from our Braves vs. Padres predictions is Atlanta’s money line (-142 at DraftKings Sportsbook).
Braves vs. Padres Injury Report & Starting Pitchers
Braves fans are accustomed to seeing Ronald Acuna on the injured list, but thankfully, it’s just a 10-day stint for now. Perhaps the bigger focus is starting pitcher Spencer Strider starting the season on the 15-day IL.
Similarly for the Padres, starter Yu Darvish is also starting the season on the 15-day IL, which is in large part why we have the starting pitching matchup that we have tonight. Speaking of which, here are those starters:
- Atlanta Braves starting pitcher today: Spencer Schwellenbach (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
- San Diego Padres starting pitcher today: Randy Vasquez (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
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Player News
Robert Murray of FanSided reports that the Padres and outfielder Jackson Merrill have agreed to a nine-year, $135 million contract extension.
Diamondbacks OF prospect Tim Tawa went 2-for-3 with a home run, four RBI, and two steals on Tuesday for Triple-A Reno.
Nationals 3B prospect Brady House went 2-for-5 with two RBI in Tuesday’s game for Triple-A Rochester.
Shinnosuke Ogasawara allowed one run on five hits in six innings while striking out six en route to winning his first game for Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday.
Caleb Durbin went 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base in Tuesday’s game for Triple-A Nashville.
Athletics 1B prospect Nick Kurtz went 3-for-6 with a two-run homer and three RBI on Tuesday for Triple-A Las Vegas.