MLB picks and expert predictions: Atlanta ( ) narrow favorites against menacing Marlins ( )

Our expert MLB handicapper John Lepore looks ahead to Friday night's clash between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves...

Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton - © Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins don’t have much to play for the rest of the season. However, they can hurt the Atlanta Braves chances of making a run at the New York Mets for the National League East title (+600). The defending champions look to be in control of a playoff spot, leading the Milwaukee Brewers by 10 games for the final Wild Card seed. This is a division battle though and rosters will be expanded by two players. Anything is possible here. 

The Marlins will throw Cy Young contender Sandy Alcantara on Friday. He has been an absolute workhorse this season with a league-leading 185.2 innings pitched. Not only has Alcantara been durable, but he has also been dominant as well. The young right-hander sports a 12-6 record with a 2.13 ERA. He has allowed opposing hitters only a .568 OPS. The Braves are a home run-hitting team, but Alcantara has surrendered just 10 long balls this year.

The Braves counter with veteran Charlie Morton. The 38-year-old has been solid with a 6-5 record and a 4.10 ERA. The right-hander continues to strike out players at an impressive rate considering his age. He has a 28.6 percent K rate which is the second highest of his career. Morton has run into problems with the long ball. He has allowed 20 home runs, a career high, in just 140.1 innings.  

Marlins player to watch: Sandy Alcantara 

We are watching an ace have his breakout season. Not only is Alcantara putting together his best year at 26 years old, but he is also a throwback to a different time. Nowadays, starting pitchers generally don’t go the whole nine innings. He has four complete games in 26 starts. Aside from Aaron Nola and Framber Valdez, no other pitcher has more than one in the majors. You will not just see a great pitcher but may actually see him pitch the whole game. 

https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1563680271756820480?s=20&t=ceIxk851tpvmg0qIEcCijA

Braves player to watch: Vaughn Grissom 

The youngster has given the Braves some hope at the second base position. When Ozzie Albies went down with a foot injury, Atlanta tried a few different players at the keystone, but they didn’t really find anyone to hold the spot. Enter Grissom. The 21-year-old has already made an impact in his 19 games as of Wednesday. He is slashing .324/.368/.493 with three bombs and three stolen bases. Albies should be back in a couple of weeks. Enjoy Grissom now as he may not be playing much once Ozzie returns

MLB quick picks Friday, September 2:

Twins at -134 vs White Sox 

Rangers vs Red Sox Under at +102

Athletics at vs Orioles