MLB Betting Preview: Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs

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MLB Betting Preview: Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs

The Atlanta Braves are headed for the playoffs unless they have a late season collapse and they will look to avoid that against the suddenly surging Cubs. The MLB Odds for this game can be found at BetPhoenix.

The gauntlet has been thrown down, the challenge issued. The Cubs have been given an opportunity to evaluate Casey Coleman in the starting rotation while Carlos Zambrano is on the disqualified list, and the right-hander will have a chance to distinguish himself Tuesday against Atlanta.

Coleman, just 24 years old, acquitted himself well last year in a 12-game audition split between the bullpen and rotation. The former 15th-round Draft pick hasn't been able to find his rhythm this year, though, and the Cubs would love to see him right himself Tuesday at Wrigley Field.

"Right now, the five guys are there," said Chicago manager Mike Quade of his rotation. "I don't see how or when or why that changes. Anything is possible. [Coleman] needs to pitch, and he needs to pitch well. For the time being, we'll find out if he can make the adjustments he needs to."

Coleman was knocked around early in the season and optioned back to Triple-A Iowa in late May. The youngster went 5-2 with a 3.65 ERA in 12 starts for Iowa, and upon his return to the big leagues, was knocked out early last week in his return to the rotation against Houston. Coleman has completed six innings just once in his first 10 rotation turns this season, but he's excited about having the chance to pitch in and learn on the job.

The Braves, the current leaders in the race for the National League Wild Card, have won 14 of their last 22 games and have posted a 23-14 record since the All-Star break. Atlanta, in fact, has posted a winning record in each month after starting out with a 13-15 mark in April.

The Braves will hand the ball to southpaw Mike Minor for Tuesday's game, and he'll be trying to continue a streak that has seen him win three straight decisions. Minor has completed six innings in four of his first nine outings, and has posted an 0-1 record and a 4.98 ERA in four road starts.

The Cubs have won four straight series and are 19-17 since the All-Star break. The Cubs will continue their post All-Star surge with a victory over the Braves.

Play on the Chicago Cubs