Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves: Game Preview, Odds, Pitching Matchup & Key Players – September 28, 2025

Sunday, September 28th, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates at Atlanta Braves: Game Preview and Key Insights (September 28, 2025)

Overview

The Pittsburgh Pirates (71-90, fifth in the NL Central) visit the Atlanta Braves (75-86, fourth in the NL East) at Truist Park on Sunday at 3:15 p.m. EDT. This matchup features two teams looking to close out their seasons on a strong note, with the Braves aiming to end a three-game home losing streak.

Pitching Matchup

The Pirates will start Johan Oviedo (2-0, 3.57 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 39 strikeouts). The Braves counter with veteran Charlie Morton (9-11, 5.89 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 148 strikeouts). This pitching duel provides an interesting contrast between youth and experience on the mound.

Team Insights and Season Series

The Braves have struggled at home this season (38-42) and are seeking to snap their recent home losing streak. They have fared well offensively when collecting at least eight hits, boasting a 60-32 record in those games. Atlanta trails the season series against the Pirates, down 4-1 after five meetings in 2025.

Pittsburgh has faced challenges on the road, recording a 27-53 away record. When the Pirates out-hit their opponents, they’ve been very successful, with a remarkable 51-16 mark in those contests.

Weather

Today at Truist Park, expect comfortable baseball weather with temperatures in the low 70s and mostly clear skies. There’s minimal chance of precipitation, making delays unlikely. Winds will be light out of the northwest at 6-8 mph, which could give a slight boost to balls hit to the outfield. Conditions are ideal for an enjoyable game day.

Top Performers

For Atlanta, Matt Olson continues to showcase his power with 40 doubles, two triples, and 29 home runs on the season. Drake Baldwin has been hot recently, going 15-for-38 with five doubles, two triples, three home runs, and 12 RBI over the last 10 games.

On the Pirates’ side, Oneil Cruz has racked up 41 extra-base hits (18 doubles, three triples, and 20 home runs), while Spencer Horwitz is 13-for-32 with five doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI in his last 10 games.

Recent Performance

The Braves have been strong recently, posting a 7-3 record with a .260 batting average, a 3.46 ERA, and outscoring opponents by 22 runs in their last 10 games. The Pirates are 6-4 in their last 10, with a .249 batting average, an impressive 2.27 ERA, and a plus-15 run differential.

Injury Report

Braves: The injury list includes Ozzie Albies (60-Day IL, arm), Vidal Brujan (day-to-day, hip), Daysbel Hernandez (60-Day IL, shoulder), Jake Fraley (60-Day IL, oblique), Aaron Bummer (60-Day IL, shoulder), Sean Murphy (60-Day IL, hip), Austin Riley (60-Day IL, abdominal), Grant Holmes (60-Day IL, elbow), Spencer Schwellenbach (60-Day IL, elbow), AJ Smith-Shawver (60-Day IL, calf/elbow), Reynaldo Lopez (60-Day IL, shoulder), and Joe Jimenez (60-Day IL, knee).

Pirates: The injured list features Ronny Simon (60-Day IL, shoulder), Endy Rodriguez (60-Day IL, elbow), Enmanuel Valdez (60-Day IL, shoulder), and Jared Jones (60-Day IL, elbow).

In summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates face off against the Atlanta Braves in their final road game of the season, with both teams featuring standout players and strong recent performances. The Braves aim to snap a home losing streak, while the Pirates look to maintain their season-series advantage. With favorable weather at Truist Park, fans can expect an exciting and competitive MLB matchup between two National League teams battling for pride and momentum.

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